5 Things: Shelton State Basketball Teams Prep For NJCAA Tourneys

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Both of Shelton State Community College's basketball teams will represent Tuscaloosa at the highest level this week in the NJCAA Men's and Women's Basketball Tournaments. Here's a look at five things to know about the men's and women's teams as they head into the postseason after both securing conference titles.

5 Things To Know

SSCC men's basketball (23-1, 15-0 ACCC)

1. A No. 11 seed, the Bucs will take on No. 22 seed Northeastern (15-5) on Tuesday in Kansas at 11 a.m. in Hutchison Sports Arena.

2. Justin Bufford, a 6-7 freshman from Montgomery, leads the Bucs on offense with 297 total points on the season, shooting 67% from the field and averaging 12.4 points per game. Click here to read more about his stats. (More)

3. Three Tuscaloosa area high schools are represented on this postseason team for the Bucaneers — Willie Johnson (sophomore, Hillcrest); Joshua Strozier (sophomore, Holt); Sedrick Pettway (freshman, Northridge).

4. As a team, the Bucs have shot 39.9% from the field on the season and 31.5% from three-point range. Check out full season stats here. (More)

5. No. 6 seed Chipola College (21-4) received a first round bye and will take on the winner of Tuesday's first round matchup at 8 p.m. Wednesday.

NJCAA Basketball Tournament games can be watched live online here.

5 Things To Know

SSCC women's basketball (20-4, 11-0 ACCC)

1. The No. 7 seed Lady Bucs received a first round bye and will play on Wednesday against the winner of No. 10 seed Wabash Valley and No. 23 Independence at Rip Griffin Arena in Lubbock, Texas. (More)

2. Kirby DeBoard, a sophomore guard from Sand Rock, Alabama, leads the Lady Bucs in scoring, averaging 15 points a game on her way to totaling 359 for the 2020-2021 season. (More)

3. Thaniya Marks, a sophomore center from Birmingham, heads up a strong Lady Bucs defensive, recording 17 blocks, while freshman Ke'Ajia Williams leads the team with 78 total rebounds.

4. Three Tuscaloosa area high schools are also represented on the SSCC women's team heading into postseason play — Mackenzie Mahone (freshman, Central High School); Taylor Smith (freshman, Sipsey Valley High School); Trinity Hambright (freshman, Greensboro High School).

5. On the sidelines will be longtime SSCC women's basketball coach Madonna Thompson, who has amassed a stunning 629-137 career record going into yet another tournament appearance. (More)

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