SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – For the second consecutive year, a South Suburban College Men’s Basketball player has been named National Player of the Year for the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II. Sophomore guard Deshawndre Washington, of Morgan Park High School, added the highest accolade to his multiple awards garnered this season in leading the Bulldogs to a 20-6 record and 8th Place finish at the NJCAA Division II National Tournament.

“I am extremely happy for, and proud of Deshawndre,” said Coach Pigatti. “He carried this team on his back all season long – quite an accomplishment considering the impact of COVID-19 this year. He really matured and developed his overall game. Deshawndre has a bright future and great things are destined for him.”

Washington averaged 27 points, 13.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 2.8 blocks, and 2.7 steals per game during the 2021 campaign. He was also named to the NJCAA National Championship All-Tournament Team, Region IV Player-of-the Year, Midwest District Tournament MVP, and NJCAA 1st Team All-American. This is the second year in a row and now fourth player nine years to win National Player of the Year for the South Suburban program and Coach Pigatti.

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.

PICTURED ABOVE RIGHT: From the NJCAA Division II National Tournament: Bulldogs’ guard Deshawndre Washington was recently named NJCAA Division II National Player of the Year.