SOUTH HOLLAND, IL– The South Suburban College (SSC) Men’s Basketball Team won the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II National Tournament on Saturday, March 19, 2022. The Bulldogs defeated Davidson-Davie Community College 79-63 at the Mary Miller Center in Danville, Illinois, to cap off a 33-0 season. They entered the tournament as the #1 seed as the national leader in points allowed, blocks and steals. The Bulldogs became the first NJCAA championship winner in school history in any sport. They also earned the distinction as the first team in NJCAA DII history to go undefeated.
“It is a great feeling to win the national tournament, but I am even more impressed that these men were able to go undefeated all year,” said Head Coach John Pigatti. “All of the credit goes to the players – they were really locked in and stayed focused together all week here in Danville. We played some excellent teams and still held three of our opponents to their lowest point totals and the fourth to their second lowest all year.”
Local talent Demarco Minor, a freshman guard from Thornton High School in Harvey, IL, was named Most Valuable Player of the tournament. He is joined on the All-Tournament Team by Damontae Taylor, a freshman forward from Zion-Benton High School in Waukegan, IL, Camron Donatlan, a sophomore guard from West Aurora High School in Aurora, IL, and Nmesomachi Nnebedum, a sophomore guard from Loy Norrix High School in Kalamazoo, MI.
“I am very appreciative of the support I have received since I came to SSC 16 years ago: from President Stokes and the Board of Trustees, the administration, our Athletic Director Steve Ruzich, and of course our fans,” Pigatti added. “I am proud to bring a championship home to such an outstanding school. These players and the entire South Suburban College community deserves this.”
Pigatti adds his first National Championship to 12 Regional Championships he has won during his 16-year tenure as Head Coach of the SSC Men’s Basketball Team.
SSC is inviting the community to celebrate with the team at a special Bulldogs Championship Banner Unveiling on Saturday, March 26 at 12 noon at the SSC Fieldhouse. All media and fans are encouraged to attend to view the banner, enjoy light refreshments, and hear from players, coaches and special guests.
For more information, contact Coach Pigatti at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2524, or email jpigatti@ssc.edu. SSC is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois.
