Cowboys to Play Central Georgia Tech in NJCAA Tournament Opener Monday

WARNER—The field is set for the 71^st NJCAA Nation Basketball Tournament in Hutchinson, Kan. March 19-24 at the Sports Arena and Connors State received the No. 12 seed in the 24-team field.

Cowboys (29-3) and ranked No. 13 in the nation entering the tournament will play Region 17 champion Central Georgia Tech Titans of Rome. Ga., on Monday. Tip-off is 8:30 p.m.

"I don't know much about Central Georgia yet, but we are going to spend the next couple of days finding out about them," said Cowboys head coach Bill Muse. "Every year you are excited about getting there.

"This is one of the toughest tournaments to get into. There is only 24 teams nationally that get to go.  I am happy for our guys to get the opportunity to experience this.

"We were able to experience it last year and to get to go back-to-back is quite an accomplishment," said Muse.

Only two Cowboys are back from last year's team Ra'Shawn Langston and Zaph Bobb.

"Everybody else it's a new experience," said Muse. Asked if it will be a concern with just two back from last year he said, "I think they will be okay. The freshman we have had all played in big games, and the transfers have played some Division I battles. I think we will be fine."

The Titans, who are making their first tournament appearance posted a 25-8 record, advanced by defeating South Georgia Technical College 74-52. The Titans are the 21^st seed in the field of 24.

Connors the Region II champion for the second consecutive year and 10^th tournament appearance under Muse, defeated Northeastern A&M 73-63 in Shawnee to reach the Big Dance.

This will be Connors' 13th NJCAA National Tournament appearance.

Langston, who experienced "The Tournament" a year ago said, "I am real excited about it. I really believe we have an excellent chance of winning it all.

"Our athleticism, quickness and defense, we should go a long way in this tournament."

Daris Roy also said he was "extremely excited about tournament, "adding "I'm humbled to be able to play in it and show them what Connors State is really about."

Roy said the team is "really locked in. We want to make a name for ourselves. We were seeded kind 'a low. We'll come out and really play and show them. We felt like we should have been a higher seed.

"It's going to be a fun experience and just take it all in, and play hard," said Roy.

Mason Jones, the Most Valuable player of the Region II Tournament, said "I will be a little nervous, but will get over it quickly and just play Connors basketball.

"It's going to be a great feeling. We are one of the top 24 teams in the nation. I sure hope to duplicate what I did in the region tournament.

"We don't know much about our first round opponent, but Coach Muse will get us ready. He'll double it up if he doesn't think were no ready.

"But I know we will be ready," said Mason.