Submitted

Pirates Basketball used balanced scoring and efficient shooting to secure an 80–73 win over Jefferson College on Saturday afternoon at the KCC. The Sophomore Day victory improved the team’s record to 16-8 overall and 2-2 in Region 16 play. Their next action will be on Tuesday evening when they host Marshalltown CC.

James Porter III led all scorers with a game-high 22 points off the bench, shooting 10-of-17 from the field while adding nine rebounds and four steals to pace the Pirates. Camden Brown provided a strong spark as well, finishing with 16 points on 6-of-8 shooting and knocking down 4-of-5 free throws.

Grant Redd was also highly efficient, scoring 15 points in 26 minutes while going 5-of-6 from the floor and 5-of-7 at the line. Playing for the first time since coming off an ankle injury, Camden Bennett chipped in 11 points. Deng Gak contributed a solid all-around performance with 10 points, eight rebounds, a steal, and a block.

The Pirates trailed 40-32 at halftime but came out on a mission in the second half. They outscored the visiting Vikings 48-33 to seal the victory. As a team, the Pirates shot 54.2 percent from the field and outscored Jefferson at the free-throw line, making 14-of-20 attempts. North Central also won the rebounding battle, 30–27, a pivotal stat in the win.

Sophomores honored on Saturday included Kalen Streit, Camden Bennett, Jon Jon Neff, Za’Corrie Kerr, Deng Gak and Talan Holt.