Panthers Make Historic Run to NJCAA Division II National Championships

Palm Beach State College men’s basketball team capped an unforgettable season with a milestone achievement—advancing to the NJCAA Division II National Championships and finishing with a 33–2 record, the best in program history.

The Panthers’ remarkable run ended March 18 in the tournament quarterfinals, where they fell to No. 7 seed Danville Area Community College, 72–53, at the Mary Miller Gymnasium in Danville, Illinois. Despite the loss, their season will be remembered as one of the most successful in Palm Beach State history—built on talent, teamwork and tenacity.

Under the leadership of Head Coach Tae Norwood, recently named Florida College System Activities Association (FCSAA) Coach of the year and Gulf South District Coach of the Year, Palm Beach State combined fast-paced offense, tough defense and remarkable chemistry to earn national recognition. Their unselfish play and relentless energy established the Panthers among the top junior college programs in the country.

“This season was truly one for the history books,” Norwood said. “Our players gave everything they had every single day and represented Palm Beach State College with class and pride. While we fell short of our ultimate goal, I couldn’t be prouder of this group and how far we’ve come.”

 

The Panthers opened the season with immediate success, quickly finding rhythm and confidence as they built early momentum. By midseason, they had become one of the hottest teams in the nation, closing the 2025 calendar year with an impressive 16–1 record. Depth and balance defined their success, with multiple players delivering clutch performances in big moments.

Fueled by their consistency, Palm Beach State climbed to the No. 1 ranking in the NJCAA Division II national poll—a first in program history. The team averaged more than 75 points per game, shot over 44 percent from the field, and dominated the boards with more than 40 rebounds and 13 assists per contest.

Seven of the current players will be transferring next year to four-year colleges, each fielding multiple scholarship offers. Five members of the roster will return to continue building on this year’s momentum, and Norwood said the program’s recruiting prospects look stronger than ever.

“This run has put us in a whole different stratosphere in terms of recruitment,” Norwood said.

Off the stat sheet, the Panthers’ unity and resilience stood out just as much as their performance. Guided by Norwood’s emphasis on discipline, accountability and teamwork, Palm Beach State forged a culture centered on hard work, mutual respect and belief in one another.

While the season concluded earlier than they hoped, the Panthers’ accomplishments left an indelible mark on Palm Beach State athletics. With a national ranking, a historic record and a coach of the year leading the way, the 2025–26 campaign will be remembered as one of the most inspiring in program history.