Lander Cougars make historic NCAA Division II title run

Longtime radio voice reflects on team's improbable journey to championship victory

Apr. 10, 2026 at 8:35am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the energy and excitement of a basketball championship celebration, with overlapping shapes and planes in navy, gold, and crimson colors.Lander University's improbable run to the NCAA Division II basketball championship captivated fans with its Cinderella story and dynamic, high-energy play.Indianapolis Today

Lander University's men's basketball team made a historic run to the NCAA Division II national championship game, capturing the attention of fans across the country. At the center of the coverage was the team's longtime radio play-by-play announcer, whose passionate calls and insightful commentary brought the Cougars' Cinderella story to life for listeners.

Why it matters

Lander, a small public university in South Carolina, was an unlikely contender for the Division II title, having never before advanced past the regional tournament. The team's improbable journey to the championship game captivated the local community and sparked national interest, showcasing the power of sports to unite and inspire.

The details

Led by a core of experienced upperclassmen and a breakout performance from sophomore guard Jalen Hawkins, the Lander Cougars navigated a challenging tournament bracket to reach the national title game. Their run included several nail-biting victories over higher-seeded opponents, with the team's radio play-by-play announcer, Mark Ellison, providing the soundtrack to the Cinderella story.

  • Lander University's men's basketball team reached the NCAA Division II championship game on March 25, 2026.
  • The Cougars won the national title with a victory on March 27, 2026.

The players

Jalen Hawkins

A sophomore guard who emerged as a breakout star for the Lander Cougars during their championship run.

Mark Ellison

The longtime radio play-by-play announcer for the Lander Cougars, whose passionate calls and insightful commentary brought the team's historic tournament journey to life for listeners.

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What they’re saying

“This team captured the hearts and minds of our community in a way I've never seen before. To be able to share their story with our fans was an honor and a privilege.”

— Mark Ellison, Radio Play-by-Play Announcer, Lander Cougars

“We knew we had something special from the start, but to see it all come together on the biggest stage was truly incredible. This is a moment our program and our school will never forget.”

— Jalen Hawkins, Sophomore Guard, Lander Cougars

What’s next

The Lander Cougars will be honored with a victory parade and celebration in Greenwood, South Carolina on April 5, 2026 to commemorate their historic championship season.

The takeaway

Lander University's improbable run to the NCAA Division II title showcased the power of perseverance, teamwork, and community support. The Cougars' Cinderella story inspired fans across the country and demonstrated that even the smallest schools can achieve greatness on the national stage.