Skip to navigation Skip to content Skip to footer
National Tournament Preview
Posted: Mar 06, 2026

National Tournament Preview

#6 Montgomery County Community College vs #11 Ridgewater College
�� March 11 | �� 6:00 PM | �� Herkimer
�� NJCAA Division III Men's Basketball Championship

The Montgomery County Community College Mustangs enter the national tournament with momentum and balance after a strong 21–4 season, earning the #6 seed. They will face the #11 seed Ridgewater College Warriors, who bring a high-powered offense and a 22–6 record into the opening-round matchup.

Montgomery County: Balanced Attack & Defense

Montgomery County has been one of the most efficient teams in the field, averaging 83.2 points per game while holding opponents to 71.0 points. The Mustangs shoot 47.4% from the field and control the glass with 39.8 rebounds per game, nearly six more than their opponents.

The Mustangs feature a deep, balanced lineup with seven players averaging over seven points per game.

  • Tariq Jennings (11.8 PPG, 6.3 RPG) leads the team in scoring and rebounding while shooting 50.8% from the field, providing a strong inside presence.

  • Matthew Williams (11.6 PPG, 5.6 RPG) adds scoring versatility and perimeter shooting with 22 three-pointers this season.

  • Brandon Bush (9.7 PPG) has been one of the team's most efficient players, shooting 59.7% from the floor while also contributing 2.6 assists per game.

  • Qudire Bennett (9.6 PPG) brings elite efficiency at 62.4% shooting and strong free-throw accuracy (78.9%).

  • Alantay Dawson runs the offense, leading the team with 80 assists (3.3 per game) and adding 9.0 points per game.

Montgomery County's defensive efficiency has been key to its success, limiting opponents to 38.5% shooting and 28.8% from three-point range.

Ridgewater: One of the Nation's Highest-Scoring Teams

Ridgewater enters the tournament as one of the most explosive offenses in the bracket, averaging 96.6 points per game and shooting 49.5% from the field.

The Warriors are led by a dynamic duo:

  • Tyrese Mayo (22.1 PPG) is a do-everything guard who shoots 54.4% overall and 42.7% from three, while also averaging 4.4 assists per game.

  • DeAndre Holloway (22.1 PPG, 10.6 RPG) is a dominant inside presence who anchors the Warriors' frontcourt and leads the team with 82 blocks.

Together, the pair account for over 44 points per game, making them one of the most dangerous scoring tandems in the tournament.

Ridgewater also rebounds extremely well, averaging 44.3 rebounds per game, which ranks among the best marks in NJCAA Division III.

Key Matchups

1️⃣ Pace of Play
Ridgewater thrives in fast-paced, high-scoring games, while Montgomery County has been more balanced, relying on defense and efficient scoring.

2️⃣ Inside Battle
Holloway's dominance in the paint will be tested by Montgomery County's rebounding group led by Jennings, Bush, and Bennett.

3️⃣ Perimeter Defense
Containing Mayo—one of the tournament's most dangerous shooters—will be a priority for the Mustangs' defense.

What to Watch

If Montgomery County can control the tempo, defend the three-point line, and match Ridgewater's rebounding, the Mustangs could advance in what projects to be one of the most intriguing matchups of the tournament's opening round.

Tip-off is set for 6 PM on March 11 in Herkimer as both teams begin their pursuit of a national championship.