Trojans Close Season in Plains District Tournament
March 12,2026
The Colby Community College men’s basketball team saw its 2025–26 campaign come to an end on March 7 as the Trojans fell to Seward County 82–66 in the opening round of the NJCAA Division I Plains District Tournament at The Greenhouse in Liberal.
Colby battled throughout the opening half and kept the contest competitive early. The Trojans shot an efficient 47.6 percent from the floor in the game and were especially strong at the free throw line, converting 20 of 25 attempts. Despite that efficiency, Seward County’s perimeter shooting ultimately proved to be the difference as the Saints connected on 17 three-pointers during the contest.
The Trojans trailed 38–31 at halftime after Seward County used a strong late push in the opening period to create separation. Colby continued to compete in the second half, scoring 35 points after the break, but the Saints extended their advantage behind a barrage of long-range shots and strong bench production.
Seward County finished the night shooting 45.9 percent from beyond the arc, going 17-of-37 from three-point range. The Saints also received a major boost from their reserves, who accounted for 48 bench points in the win.
Colby was led offensively by guard D.J. Cason, who scored a team-high 18 points while knocking down five field goals and going a perfect 6-for-6 from the free throw line. Cason also added three assists during his 35 minutes on the floor.
Aliou Diallo and Gabe Njenga each finished with 11 points for the Trojans. Diallo contributed in multiple areas of the game, adding five assists and three rebounds while hitting six free throws. Njenga turned in one of the team’s strongest all-around performances, recording a double-digit scoring effort while pulling down a team-high 10 rebounds to anchor Colby on the glass.
Giannis Asimakopoulos added nine points and three rebounds while converting seven of eight attempts at the free throw line. Nana Keutcha chipped in eight points on an efficient 4-of-5 shooting performance and contributed a pair of blocks defensively.
Braedyn Gillespie provided a spark off the bench with six points, including two three-pointers, while Rhett Kats added three points and two assists. As a team, the Trojans finished with 14 assists, 28 rebounds, and five steals in the contest.
While Colby matched Seward County’s field goal percentage overall, the Saints’ perimeter shooting and passing created the decisive margin. Seward County recorded 29 assists on 30 made field goals and held a 48–9 advantage in bench scoring. The Saints also converted 17 second-chance points to help maintain control throughout the second half.
Despite the season ending result, the Trojans showed resilience throughout the year and continued to develop a competitive lineup that featured contributions from both veteran players and emerging talent. The team demonstrated consistent offensive efficiency, highlighted by strong free throw shooting and balanced scoring throughout the roster.
With the conclusion of the Plains District Tournament matchup, Colby closes the 2025–26 season having gained valuable experience and growth against a challenging schedule. The foundation built throughout the year will give the program momentum moving forward as the Trojans prepare to regroup and build toward next season.