Cobras Crowned: Parkland Finishes Dominant Run with National Championship

The Parkland College Cobras are national champions.

Capping off a dominant postseason run, Parkland claimed the NJCAA Division II Men’s Basketball National Championship with a 76–68 win over 8-seed Ellsworth Community College on March 21 at Mary Miller Gymnasium in Danville, IL; finishing the year 29–7 overall and a perfect 4–0 in the national tournament.

This wasn’t just a title—it was a statement.

Parkland powered through a loaded bracket with authority, knocking off (6) Johnson County Community College 86–78, (3) Milwaukee Area Technical College 92–79, and (7) Danville Area Community College 77–66 before closing it out against Ellsworth. The semifinal victory over Region XXIV rival Danville only reinforced what the tournament made clear—Parkland wasn’t just winning, they were controlling games against top competition.

In the championship, the Cobras set the tone early, taking a 35–28 lead into halftime and maintaining composure throughout a physical second half. When Ellsworth made its push, Parkland responded with execution, toughness, and elite free-throw shooting, finishing 31-of-40 from the line and closing the game in the final minute to secure the 76–68 win.

At the center of it all was a championship performance from Jaiden Martin, who delivered one of the most dominant outings of the tournament. Martin poured in 34 points, going 11-of-27 from the field and 11-of-13 at the free throw line while adding 8 rebounds, taking over offensively and sealing the win late.

But the Cobras’ title wasn’t built on one performance—it was a complete team effort. Chris Bush added 12 points and went a perfect 6-for-6 from the line, while Grant Chamberlain chipped in 11 points and 8 rebounds. Key contributions from throughout the lineup, along with timely stops and composure in pressure moments, defined Parkland’s run.

From start to finish, the Cobras showcased everything required to win a national championship—depth, toughness, and the ability to execute when it mattered most. Seven games, Seven wins, and a perfect postseason that included a Midwest District title and a run through the national bracket.

Parkland brings the National Championship back to Champaign for the first time in 40 years.

29–7. Undefeated postseason. National Champions.