CHARLOTTE, NC - The Northampton men's basketball team is ranked 4th in the 2023-24 NJCAA preseason poll released by the national office.  The Spartans are coming off a 30-5 campaign, which saw them capture an EPAC Championship, earn an At-Large bid to the NJCAA National Tournament, and finish 4th in the country. 

The Spartans return five key members from the 2022-23 squad, including guards CJ Miles (Bangor, PA/Bangor) and Xavier Goodman (Allentown, PA/Kutztown) and forwards Keein Ward (Harrisburg, PA/Susquehanna Township), Naeem Purnell (Darby, PA/Penn Wood) and Austyn Lutes (Easton, PA/Easton). 

Head Coach Brennan McCarthy returns for his 10th season on the sidelines, sporting a 161-67 (71%) overall record, including a 90-28 (76%) mark in conference games. The two-time conference Coach of the Year has captured 4 conference championships during his tenure and appeared in 5 Region 19 Final Fours, including a runner-up finish last season.  The Spartans led the country in field goal percentage defense in 2022-23, limiting the opposition to just 36.1% from the field.

When asked about the upcoming 2023-24 season, McCarthy remarked, "While we have a number of new guys on our roster, our goals remain the same. We are returning five key contributors from last year's team and we will be counting on them to help lead the younger guys and prepare them for the grind of the season.  Obviously this Region (Region 19) is one of the most challenging in the country and with the new master schedule this year within the Region, it will be interesting to see who is able to navigate the ups and downs of a long season and be there at the end."

The Spartans open the season on Thursday November 2nd at Penn State - Hazleton before their home opener on Saturday November 4th vs. 8th ranked Prince George's Community College from Largo, Maryland.  "PG has been a really good early season litmus test for us the last couple of seasons," stated McCarthy, "they are very talented and well-coached.  My staff believes it is important for our guys to get tested early and see how we respond, as there are no off-nights in Region play."

Tickets for Northampton home games are $3 for adults and $1 for children.  NCC students, faculty and staff are admitted free with a valid college ID card. 

2023-24 Northampton Men's Basketball Schedule 

2023-24 NJCAA Preseason Poll