Midland College advances to Region V title game with win over South Plains

Chaps overcome slow start to defeat rival South Plains 74-70 and move one win away from national tournament berth

Mar. 14, 2026 at 2:23am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The No. 9-ranked Midland College men's basketball team defeated No. 14 South Plains College 74-70 in the NJCAA Region V semifinals on March 13. The Chaps overcame a slow start to advance to the Region V title game against Western Junior College Athletic Conference rival Howard College, who they have lost to twice this season. Midland College is one win away from earning an automatic bid to the NJCAA National Tournament.

Why it matters

Midland College is seeking its first NJCAA Region V championship since 2023 and a return to the national tournament. The Chaps have had to overcome slow starts in their last two tournament games, but their depth and talent have allowed them to rally and advance. A win over Howard College, the WJCAC champion who has beaten Midland twice this year, would be a significant accomplishment.

The details

Midland College sophomore guard Darius Carr led the team with 19 points, including 12 in the first half to help the Chaps rally from an early 11-3 deficit. Nayte Spargo added 12 points on four 3-pointers, while Solomon Ominu had 10 points and seven rebounds. Midland College held South Plains to just 41% shooting and forced nine steals, with three coming from Yeison Liberato.

  • Midland College got down 13-3 against McLennan Community College on Thursday before coming back to win 74-71.
  • On Friday, South Plains jumped out to an 11-3 lead before Midland College responded with a 10-2 run to get back in the game.
  • The Chaps led 37-33 at halftime.

The players

Darius Carr

A sophomore guard who led Midland College with 19 points, including 12 in the first half to help the Chaps rally.

Nayte Spargo

Scored 12 points for Midland College, all on 3-pointers.

Solomon Ominu

Contributed 10 points and seven rebounds for the Chaps.

Yeison Liberato

Recorded three of Midland College's nine steals.

Isaac Fontenot-Amedee

Midland College's head coach, who praised his team's ability to overcome adversity and find the right lineups.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's about sticking as a unit and playing together. We're not going to let a team beat us and the only way we're going to lose if we beat ourselves. I feel like we're playing together as a unit and staying strong together. That's what helping us overcome adversity.”

— Darius Carr, Midland College sophomore guard

“That's a bad trend that's been going. Fortunately, we find a way to get the right groups out there. When you have a team with as much talent as we do, sometimes it's hard to figure out the lineups and who needs to go that day, it takes a minute. This team really understands and that's something that I can appreciate. Nobody is upset about not playing and everybody is excited for each other to play well.”

— Isaac Fontenot-Amedee, Midland College head coach

What’s next

The winner of the Midland College vs. Howard College championship game on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. will earn an automatic bid to the NJCAA National Tournament in Hutchinson, Kansas from March 21-28.

The takeaway

Midland College's ability to overcome slow starts and rally as a team has been a key factor in their run to the Region V title game. Their depth and unselfish play have allowed them to weather adversity and put themselves one win away from a national tournament berth, setting up a rematch with the only team to beat them twice this season.