Gators Back in National Poll

Virginia Peninsula Community College men's basketball team returned to the NJCAA Division III weekly rankings Tuesday. It's the third time in program history the Gators have made the poll, each time landing in the "receiving votes" category.

"We keep getting in the same spot, the same spot," said coach Chris Moore. "I just want to see us get over that hump at some point."

Salem Community College is ranked No. 1. Northern Essex, which needed a second-half rally to defeat the Gators in November, is No. 4. Sandhills Community College, whom the Gators beat last week, remained at No.11. Also receiving votes were Monroe University of the Bronx, and Bunker Hill, both of which the Gators (13-6) defeated.

"I don't know what we have to do (to be ranked among the top 15)," Moore said. "But we're back in the top 20."

The NJCAA ranked 15 teams, and five others received votes, but weren't given an official ranking.

The first time the Gators made the poll came in January 2025, and the second was in November 2025. Each of the previous visits lasted just one week. Moore is hoping for a longer stay this time.

"I think the biggest problem is we keep losing games to non-NJCAA opponents," he said.

The Gators' next two games are against non-NJCAA foes before facing Region 10 rival Patrick & Henry Community College on Feb. 1.

"We just have to be ready to play when it matters and take care of the ones that are going to cause us to drop rankings over the next few weeks," Moore said.

Moore, however, has his eyes on other things. Halfway through the Region 10 season, the Gators are in first place with a 4-1 record.

"For me, rankings are cool, but I want to win the league, regular season and postseason," he said.

The Gators earned their way in the rankings by going 3-0 last week, starting Jan. 13 with an 84-51 home victory over Camp Community College.

Three days later, the Gators traveled to North Carolina and beat Sandhills 83-82.

VPCC capped its big week with a 91-80 victory over Tidewater Community College on Jan. 18.

For more information on the College, visit www.vpcc.edu.