Parkland wins first NJCAA Division II title since 1986

Parkland won the NJCAA Division II championship at Mary Miller Gymnasium, outlasting No. 8 Ellsworth Community College 76-68 on March 21 in Danville, Illinois. The Cobras, seeded No. 11, went 4-0 in the national tournament and finished 29-7, closing the season on a seven-game winning streak and claiming their first NJCAA Division II crown since 1986.

The difference in the final came from Parkland’s ability to keep scoring when the game tightened. Jaiden Martin delivered 34 points and eight rebounds and was named tournament MVP after carrying the offense in the biggest moments. Chris Bush added 12 points, Grant Chamberlain scored 11 and pulled down eight rebounds, and both joined Martin on the All-Tournament Team. Parkland also went 31 of 40 from the free-throw line.

Parkland lost 55-54 to Kirkwood Community College in the 2025 championship game. Bowler was named the NJCAA Division II National Coach of the Year after finishing his fourth season at Parkland with a 109-29 record. Athletic director Brendan McHale said the title was “not earned by accident,” pointing to Bowler’s preparation, leadership and in-game communication. After the win, Bowler called the moment “very surreal,” while players said they were “still in awe.”

Parkland's second national championship in program history arrived exactly 40 years after the 1986 title. Illinois lawmakers marked the run with House Resolution 0807, congratulating the Cobras on the March 21 championship and the program’s 40-year link to its last crown.