Inaugural Women’s Basketball Team Named National Runner-Up

SOUTH PRINCE GEORGE, VA – The Richard Bland College Women's Basketball team finishes the season at 29-3 overall after falling in overtime, 85-95 in the National Championship game to CCBC Essex. With the loss, the Statesmen have been named the NJCAA Division II Women's Basketball National Runners-Up, in the programs' inaugural season.

The Knights pulled out to an early 19-13 lead through the first 10 minutes of play. Richard Bland came out strong outscoring the Knights by five to come within one, 31-32, into the break. The Statesmen were on a mission and put up 25 points in the third and 20 in the fourth to even the score at 76 at the final buzzer of regulation. CCBC Essex controlled the pace through the overtime period and would come out victorious, 85-95 over Richard Bland to be named the NJCAA Division II National Champions.

Four Statesmen scored double-digits in the overtime battle. Janiah Jones had another big day for Richard Bland with 29 points, eight rebounds, and three steals. Auzhane Allard tallied a double-double with 24 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, and three blocks. Jasmine Norman had 20 points, nine rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and one steal. Courtney Scott chipped in with 10 points, seven rebounds, and two steals. Chamara Martin added nine rebounds, three assists, and two points in the loss.

Richard Bland went 72.7% from the charity stripe, 35.7% from the field, and 28.1% from the perimeter.

The Richard Bland College women's basketball team has defied many odds in their inaugural season, and closes the 2022-23 season at the SC4 Fieldhouse in Port Huron, Michigan.