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NCMC men’s basketball, ranked 18th in the latest NJCAA DII poll, went a perfect 2-0 in the Kansas City Kansas CC HOF Classic over the weekend. First the Pirates downed Independence CC 86-81 before taking down host KCKCC by the final score of 82-75. The team is now 4-2 with their next action coming Wednesday when they hit the road to tangle with Allen County CC.

NCMC 81, Independence CC 81

The Pirates put together one of its most balanced offensive performances of the season on Friday night. Camden Bennett and James Porter III powered the Pirates with identical 23-point efforts, each delivering efficient scoring and steady interior presence. Bennett finished with 23 points and seven rebounds while shooting 8-of-22 from the floor, attacking the lane throughout the night and going 5-of-7 at the line. Porter was equally impressive, posting a 23-point, 14-rebound double-double, including five offensive rebounds that helped fuel second-chance opportunities.

Sophomore forward Deng Gak added another strong outing inside with 11 points, six rebounds, two assists, and two steals, providing energy on both ends of the floor.

Point guard Kalen Streit delivered a clean and efficient performance, going a perfect 2-of-2 from the field while adding two assists, two steals, and five points in 17 minutes of action.

Off the bench, Za’Corrie Kerr gave the Pirates a spark with seven points and a steal, and Talan Holt added five points, two rebounds, and an assist while knocking down a three. Grant Redd continued his steady playmaking with five assists and three steals.

NCMC finished the night shooting 46.6% from the field while outrebounding Indy CC 37–36.

NCMC 82, KCKCC 75

NCMC picked up a hard-fought 82–75 road win over Kansas City Kansas Community College on Saturday, powered by efficient shooting and multiple standout performances across the lineup.

Camden Bennett delivered a team-high 22 points, knocking down 5-of-8 from three and converting 7-of-8 at the line while logging all 40 minutes. His perimeter shooting helped the Pirates maintain control during key stretches.

Fellow guard Camden Brown was also impactful, finishing with 19 points on 6-of-11 shooting and a perfect 6-for-6 at the free-throw line. Brown added two steals as NCMC’s defensive pressure created timely momentum swings.

In the frontcourt, James Porter III anchored the Pirates with a strong double-double, posting 13 points and 11 rebounds, including eight on the defensive glass. His interior presence was critical as NCMC outrebounded the Blue Devils 33–23.

Deng Gak provided an efficient boost, contributing 6 points and 9 rebounds in just 20 minutes of action due to foul issues. Grant Redd added 8 points and a pair of assists, while guard Kalen Streit supplied 5 points, including a key three-pointer.

The Pirates shot 47.3% from the field, 55.6% from deep, and an impressive 87% at the free-throw line, showcasing one of their most balanced offensive outings of the season