Holiday Heat: Raiders Prepare for Challenging Three-Day Classic

NICEVILLE, Fla. — Thanksgiving week is a meaningful time for many, a chance to reflect and give thanks. For No. 2 Northwest Florida men's basketball, it also marks one of the most challenging stretches of their season—a point in the year when the competition ramps up and every possession matters.

The Raiders are gearing up for three games in three days against three high-caliber opponents at the annual Pensacola State Thanksgiving Classic, an event they've taken part in over the past several seasons.

This year's slate is no different, featuring another trio of formidable matchups: (RV) Panola on November 24, No. 24 Wallace-Hanceville on November 25, and No. 8 Trinity Valley on November 26. It's unquestionably the toughest three-game stretch the Raiders have faced so far.

The Matchups

Northwest Florida opens the week on Monday (Nov. 24) at 4:00 p.m. against Panola, who enters at 4-1. Their lone defeat came in a 19-point setback to No. 12 Odessa, knocking them out of the week-two rankings, though they continue to receive votes in the national poll.

On day two, the Raiders will square off with No. 24 Wallace Hanceville (Nov. 25) at 12:00 p.m. The Lions also sit at 4-1, with their only loss coming last week in a high-scoring battle against Snead State (108-89).

The Classic concludes with a marquee showdown against defending national champion and eighth-ranked Trinity Valley on Wednesday (Nov. 26) at 5:00 p.m. The Cardinals opened the season at No. 1 before falling to No. 7 Midland, dropping them seven spots, but have since responded with back-to-back wins to improve to 4-1 entering the week.

Where to Watch

Fans can stream all the action this week on the Pirate Sports Network by clicking HERE.

Sizzling Start

Northwest Florida has delivered everything expected and more through its first six contests. The Raiders are off to a spotless 7-0 start, averaging 92.7 points per game and outscoring opponents by an impressive 20.6 points per outing.

After beginning the season ranked seventh in the preseason poll, the Raiders have improved their national ranking each week, including this past week when they jumped from six to two in the week-two poll.  

Nationally, NWF ranks:

• 23rd in points per game (92.7)
• 12th in field goals made (35.6)
• 6th in field goal percentage (55.7)
• 5th in three-point percentage (43.5)
• 32nd in assists per game (18.7)
• 33rd in offensive efficiency (1.182)
• 21st in net efficiency (0.267)
• 40th opponents field goal percentage (39.9)
• 6th in opponents three-point percentage (22.9)

DJ Can Shine

DJ Shine has been nothing short of electric this season. The sophomore leads the Raiders in scoring with 20.8 points per game—third-best in the FCSAA and 29th nationally—while shooting a blistering 55.5% from the field and 61.5% from three — 12th nationally.

Shine has logged 20 or more points three times this season, including 32 in the season opener against Southern Union, 21 last Friday against No. 3 Daytona, and 23 last Saturday against Hillsborough.  

Hard to Burn

Justin Burns has anchored the Raiders' frontcourt with ability to score, defend, and rebound. The sophomore transfer ranks third on the team in scoring (12.1 ppg), second in steals (1.6), third in field goal percentage (71.4%), first in rebounds (8.7) and blocks (1.0). He's scored double-digits in all but one game this season, while also securing six or more rebounds and one steal in each game as well.

Roman It Down

The Raiders' lone returner, Braylon Roman, continues to be the steady engine behind the team's success. Roman ranks second in scoring with 12.3 points per game and leads NWF in assists (5.1) and ranks third in steals (1.4). Roman had a career game against No. 3 Daytona, totaling 23-points, seven assists, and two steals.

Two-Way Vann-Kelley

Sophomore guard Domarion Vann-Kelley has been a bright spot for the Raiders this season. After emerging as one of the nation's top three-point shooters a year ago, he's picked up right where he left off—knocking down 35.7% of his attempts from beyond the arc and averaging 10.2 points per game on an efficient 44.9% shooting overall. His impact hasn't stopped on the offensive end, either. Vann-Kelley has been a defensive catalyst for Northwest Florida, leading the team with 2.3 steals per game and consistently setting the tone on that side of the floor.