Posted: Mar 21, 2024

Malcolm X secures sixth Region 4 title, first since 2020

(Image courtesy of Malcolm X College Athletics)

FREEPORT, ILL. - It had been four years since Malcolm X College last finished atop the Region 4 mountain, however, after an impressive run of wins, the Hawks won the 2024 NJCAA Region 4 Division I Women's Basketball Tournament with a 79-70 decision over top-seeded Triton College. Third-seeded Malcolm X College, who had won four region titles - including three in a row - over a five year span from 2011 to 2015, was led by Region 4 Tournament Most Valuable Player Laura Rivera. Kim McQuarter was named 2024 Region 4 Coach of the Year. (Recap: Malcolm X)

The Hawks opened postseason play with a lopsided 82-42 decision over #6-seed Kennedy-King College, and then ran past #2-seeded Sauk Valley Community College by a 67-51 score in the semifinals. In the finals against the Trojans, Malcolm X College opened a big first half lead as they won the first quarter 22-12. The differential stretched to as much as 22-points before the Hawks owned a 44-29 advantage at halftime. Triton College (23-8) tried to close the gap in the second half, winning the third and fourth quarters by three points each, but were unable to complete the rally.

Rivera led Malcolm X College with a double-double of 20 points and ten rebounds. Diara Tolbert scored 19 points and Malayah Scott added 18 points to join Rivera on the All-Tournament team.

Malcolm X College (16-11) advanced to and hosted the NJCAA North Central District Championship against Region 13 winner North Dakota State College of Science, and lost by a 72-60 final. Scott led the Hawks with 17 points, followed by 12 from Kenihja Newson and ten from Rivera, who also reeled in 17 rebounds.

2024 Region 4 All-Tournament Team
Laura Rivera - Malcolm X College
Malayah Scott - Malcolm X College
Diara Tolbert - Malcolm X College
Trinity Barnes - Triton College
Jordyn Coleman - Triton College
Shelby Veltrop - Sauk Valley Community College

2024 Region 4 Tournament MVP
Laura Rivera - Malcolm X College

2024 Region 4 Coach of the Year
Kim McQuarter - Malcolm X College