North Lake College

Returning for the third year in a row as the 2006 Division III National Champions, North Lake College (Texas) Blazers make their fourth appearance in the national tournament. The Blazers come to the tournament with a record of 16-15 after losing nine of their games to NCJAA Division I teams, with three of those teams being ranked in the top 20 in the nation the entire season. North Lake earned their berth in the tournament this year by defeating Brookhaven College, Texas, 98-89 in the Region V Championship.

Coach Tim McGraw said he has a "defensive-oriented team that shares the ball," with players that rotate and contribute in every game. Leading players this year for the Blazers include Brian Sander, Bryant Ross, Jordan Alexander and Nathan Pratt. With only two returning players (sophomores Bryant Ross and Jamie Egenti), Coach McGraw said he has a brand new team with no real super-stars. "It's just a bunch of guys really working together," he said. The Blazers are ranked 21st in the nation in defense and are ranked in the Top 20 for free-throws.