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University Heights Today
By the People, for the People
John Carroll basketball teams set for NCAA Division III tournament
Blue Streaks women host first-ever NCAA Tournament game, men's team rides conference title into matchup with Grinnell
Published on Mar. 5, 2026
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Both the John Carroll University men's and women's basketball teams have qualified for the NCAA Division III Tournament. The women's team will host an opening-round game for the first time in program history, while the men's team enters the tournament as conference champions and will face Grinnell College in the first round.
Why it matters
This marks a historic moment for the John Carroll basketball programs, with the women's team hosting an NCAA Tournament game for the first time and the men's team returning to the tournament as conference champions. The success of both teams highlights the strength of the university's athletic programs and the excitement surrounding March Madness at the Division III level.
The details
The John Carroll women's team, led by the dynamic backcourt duo of Ava Ryncarz and Graci Semptimphelter, will host The College of New Jersey in the first round on Friday, March 6. The men's team, powered by the record-setting performance of graduate guard Luke Chicone, will face Grinnell College in the opening round on the same day.
- The women's first-round game is on Friday, March 6 at 8:00 p.m.
- The men's first-round game is on Friday, March 6 at 5:10 p.m.
- The second-round games for both teams are on Saturday, March 7
The players
Ava Ryncarz
The leading scorer for the John Carroll women's team, averaging 14.5 points per game and providing shot creation, composure, and floor spacing.
Graci Semptimphelter
A versatile, multi-positional guard for the John Carroll women's team, averaging 14.1 points per game and contributing with scoring, rebounding, and defensive impact.
Luke Chicone
The graduate guard for the John Carroll men's team, setting single-season records for scoring, steals, and assists, and ranking among the national leaders in several statistical categories.
What’s next
The winners of the first-round games on Friday will advance to the second round on Saturday, with the chance to earn a spot in the Sweet 16.
The takeaway
John Carroll's basketball programs have reached new heights, with both the men's and women's teams qualifying for the NCAA Division III Tournament. This success showcases the university's commitment to athletics and the excitement it has generated within the community.
