Ellsworth Hoops Topples DMACC in NJCAA Tournament Elite Eight

Panthers advance to national semifinal with 86-69 victory

Mar. 19, 2026 at 2:56pm

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The Ellsworth Community College men's basketball team defeated DMACC 86-69 Wednesday in the Elite Eight round of the NJCAA Division II Tournament in Danville, Illinois. The Panthers raced out to a 33-25 halftime advantage and never looked back, advancing to their second national semifinal appearance in three seasons.

Why it matters

Ellsworth's victory over DMACC, a regular season opponent, marks a significant achievement for the small community college as they continue their deep tournament run. The win sets up a national semifinal appearance, a major milestone for the program.

The details

Shooting 49 percent while holding their opponent to 29 percent, Ellsworth was led by Jayden Pretty's 19 points and 10 rebounds off the bench. Tanner Berggren scored 18, Alex Charlotin scored 13, Jonovan Wilkinson added 11, and Den Pembele scored 10, rounding out five players scoring in double figures for the Panthers.

  • The game was played on Wednesday, March 19, 2026.
  • The national semifinal game will be on Friday at 6:00 p.m.

The players

Jayden Pretty

Led Ellsworth with 19 points and 10 rebounds off the bench.

Tanner Berggren

Scored 18 points for Ellsworth.

Alex Charlotin

Scored 13 points for Ellsworth.

Jonovan Wilkinson

Added 11 points for Ellsworth.

Den Pembele

Scored 10 points for Ellsworth.

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What’s next

The national semifinal game will be Friday at 6:00 p.m.

The takeaway

Ellsworth's victory over DMACC, a regular season opponent, marks a significant achievement for the small community college as they continue their deep tournament run. The win sets up a national semifinal appearance, a major milestone for the program.