The North Lake Blazers clinched yet another victory winning their second national championship, marking their fifth title in program history and establishing themselves as the first NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) school across all three divisions.

“It’s always great to win a championship no matter what level. In 2022, we won the national championship,” said North Lake College Head Men’s Basketball Coach, Josh Mills.  “That helped bring a whole bunch of those guys here attract them here because they wanted to be a part of that. Last year, 2023, we fell short. (We) had three of those guys return and be part of the national championship this year.”

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“Today, they’re blazing hot. Dallas, North Lake National Champions for the fifth time.”

It wasn’t just about the victory of the game. It was about the coach’s unwavering commitment to excellence.

“Playing under Coach Mills, there’s a lot of ups and downs, but it’s mainly ups. I love this team man, you know,” North Lake Campus basketball player, Ring Deng said. “There’s a culture within this team and, you know, winning this national championship is like, there’s not a lot of teams who can do it. Like, every year, there is one team. There’s only one team that comes out on top.”

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“Come away with the steel. Barson Smith kicks it up to Ring Deng and Deng’s going to lay it up and in.”

Inspired by former Head Coach McGraw, Coach Mills stepped into the leadership role reflecting years of dedication and experience, guiding the Blazers toward success.

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“There’s the man that is leading this team again for the 23rd year, Tim McGraw, who has become one of the most successful.”

“Luckily learning from him and listening to him. I’ve been able to keep it going,” Mills said.