ALBANY, GA -- Championship chances, more like championship expectations for Darton State basketball. On Friday, the Lady Cavaliers needed one win for a landmark national title trip to the Kansas flatlands.
Consider the Cavs Kansas-bound. No drama necessary in the NJCAA District Championship—Darton State sealed a spot in the national tournament with a 75-55 win against Denmark Technical College.
“We did it. This is what we wanted...we wanted the opportunity to win the regular season, region tournament, district tournament…we wanted to go to Kansas. These kids have worked really hard. I told them to enjoy it,” Darton State head coach Lea Henry said.
Some impressive championship caliber numbers came out of DC’s defense. Darton State outrebounded Denmark Tech, 72-37 holding the opponent to 25 percent shooting from the field.
Region 17 Player of the Year Michelle Mitchell led all scorers with 22 points. The Cavaliers led 41-24 at the break and stretched the score out to 61-33 in the second half.
“I can't really explain it. It just feels good...the school hasn't been there in so long. For us to go, it's a good accomplishment,” Mitchell said.
“We were a young team. We had a lot of freshmen and only three sophomores, but we just made things happen...that's all I can say,” freshman Jasmine Wilson said.