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Tritons Fend of Panthers to Win First Region Crown Since 2012

Team photo graphic with a large “CHAMPIONS” header and Iowa Central logos. The Iowa Central men’s basketball team and coaches pose in a gym, many holding up a “1” finger. A bottom banner reads “ICCAC Region 11-B Champions | Division II Men’s Basketball,” with an NJCAA Basketball logo at the lower right.
Iowa Central is crowned ICCAC Region 11-B Champions in Division II Men’s Basketball.
March 4, 2026

To begin the Region 11-B Tournament, No. 3 Ellsworth and No. 6 Northeast put on an absolute barnburner, with Ellsworth coming out on top 83-82. Ellsworth jumped out to an 11-point halftime lead behind timely shooting and strong rebounding before stretching the lead to as many as 20 points early in the second half. The Hawks battled all the way back to give themselves a chance at a go-ahead shot, but it missed as time expired and their season came to an end. The Panthers were led by Jayden Pretty with 17 points, while the Hawks were led by Ryan Huston, who put a stamp on a very impressive rookie campaign with 26 points. With the victory, Ellsworth advanced to face Iowa Central in the Region 11-B Championship.

On the other side of the bracket, No. 2 Iowa Central dominated No. 7 NIACC from the opening tip en route to a 101-61 victory. The Tritons wasted no time, sprinting to a 37-point halftime lead. Iowa Central saw impressive first-half scoring performances from Jordan Cain, Tashun Pender and Dorian Pruitt, all of whom scored in double figures. Pruitt was a flamethrower from three-point range, hitting all four of his attempts. NIACC struggled from the floor in the opening half, scoring just 31 points on 33.3% shooting compared to Iowa Central's 65.7%. The second half was much the same for both teams. Iowa Central stayed hot, adding 43 more points on 47.5% shooting. Pender finished with a team-high 22 points as the Tritons advanced to take on Ellsworth in the Region 11-B Championship.

Entering the championship, Ellsworth and Iowa Central had already met twice earlier in the year, with Iowa Central winning both matchups. After the first half of this game, Ellsworth looked poised to finally get over the hump. The Panthers held a five-point lead at halftime behind strong starts from Eesher Singh Sarai, Tanner Berggren and Jayden Pretty. Ellsworth was hot from beyond the arc, knocking down nine three-pointers in the first half, including five from Pretty.

Iowa Central responded in the second half by running Ellsworth off the three-point line. The Tritons forced the ball inside and made it much tougher for the Panthers to score. Iowa Central was extremely efficient in the paint, shooting 70% on two-point attempts. The Tritons totaled 50 points in the second half and took a one-point lead after a Jordan Cain jumper with 40 seconds left. After Iowa Central missed two critical free throws, Singh Sarai's halfcourt heave was off the mark, and the Tritons escaped with an 87-86 victory.

Iowa Central advances to face Dakota County in the North Central B District Championship, with the winner moving on to the NJCAA National Tournament.

 

Semifinals - Saturday, February 28, 2026

#3 Ellsworth def. #6 Northeast, 83-82 - Box Score - Archived Video
 #2 Iowa Central def. #7 NIACC, 101-61 - Box Score - Archived Video

Championship - Tuesday, March 3, 2026

#2 Iowa Central def. #3 Ellsworth, 87-86 - Box Score - Archived Video


Iowa Central advances to North Central District Championship vs. Dakota County.