March 19, 2021
Two former East Central Community College Warriors are in action in the NCAA March Madness Tournament. ECCC's Jariyah Covington (Starkville) played in Decatur for two seasons from 2018-2020 before inking with the Jackson State Tigers, while Kareem Thompson (Florance, Ala.) played his 2019-20 season with the Warriors before moving on to Oral Roberts in Tulsa, Okla.
Thompson capitalized on the national stage on Friday afternoon as he helped the No. 15 seeded Golden Eagles of Oral Roberts upset the No. 2 seed Ohio State Buckeyes in the opening round in overtime with a big, late-game free throw. Thompson finished the game with three points, four rebounds, and two assists. On the year, he is third-best on the team with 230 points through 25 starts. He has been a key figure in the Golden Eagles 16-10 overall record and Summit League Championship.
While at ECCC Thompson poured in 395 points through 23 games while shooting 43 percent from the floor. Thompson earned All-State and All-Region 23 honors for his stellar play.
Covington has helped lead the Tigers to an 18-5 overall record, a SWAC championship, and helped the team earn a No. 15 seed bid in the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament. The team will take on the No. 2 seeded, Big 12 Champion, Baylor Bears in the opening round.
Covington, who finished her career at ECCC with All-State honors after scoring 618 points while shooting 41 percent over a two-year stretch, is third on the Tigers' lineup in scoring as she has netted 226 points thus far in the 2020-21 season while maintaining her 41 percent shooting average.
"Playing in the tournament means so much to me, I've watched many players growing up compete in it and have always wanted to play with the 'big dogs' too," said Covington.
Find these former Warriors in action in the upcoming days with Covington's Tigers taking on the Baylor Bears on Sunday, March 21 at 3 p.m. on ABC Network. Thompson and the Oral Roberts Golden Eagles will take on the No. 7 seed Florida Gators also on Sunday, March 21. The game time is not currently available, but second-round games tip at noon on CBS, TBS, TNT, truTV.
