DCTC Basketball Wins NJCAA DII Region 13 Championship

Blue Knights beat Gogebic Community College, but lost to Southeast Community College in North District Tournament

The Blue Knights basketball team at Dakota County Technical College played the Southeast Community College Bobcats (9–16) in the 2024–2025 NJCAA DII Men’s Basketball North District Tournament Championship Saturday afternoon March 8, 2025, losing the home game 69–87.

DCTC basketball advanced to the district title game by defeating the Gogebic Community College Samsons (17–14) 72–68 to win the NJCAA DII Region 13 Championship. The team completed the 2024–2025 season with a 10–19 record.

Peter Olafeso, the team’s head coach, was named Region 13 Coach of the Year. Lorenzo Levy, freshman guard, was named Region 13 MVP. Levy, Chris Owens, sophomore guard, and Juzavious Dickerson, sophomore center, made the All-Region 13 Team.

“The season didn’t go like we had hoped, finishing with a 10–19 record,” Coach Olafeso said. “Early on, we faced challenges with injuries and circumstances beyond our control, which tested our resilience as a team. However, despite the adversity, I’m incredibly proud of this group. They continued to show up, compete, and represent DCTC basketball with heart and determination. They were able to win us another Region 13 championship.

“As we look ahead, we are only losing two sophomores, meaning we have a strong core returning. With a dedicated offseason and a commitment to improvement, this freshman group has the potential to come back stronger and make the upcoming season a special one. The foundation has been laid, and now it’s time to build on it.”

Jonathan Brown has served as the team’s assistant coach for six seasons. Blue Knights basketball plays home games in the Activities building gym on the campus of Inver Hills Community College in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota.

DCTC Blue Knights NJCAA DII 2025 Region 13 Champions

Blue Knights honored in 2024–2025 season

Peter Olafeso
NJCAA DII Region 13 2024–2025 Coach of the Year

Peter Olafeso

Peter Olafeso has served as the head basketball coach at Dakota County Technical College (DCTC) for six seasons. Coach Olafeso has been with the basketball program nine years. He started his coaching career at Park High School as a freshman and assistant varsity coach.

In 2020, Coach Olafeso accepted the position of interim head coach at DCTC. During his first season as head coach, he led the Blue Knights to a 21–10 record. The team won the NJCAA Region 13 and North Plain District championships, earning a spot at the 2020–2021 NJCAA DII National Tournament. During the 2021–2022 season and Olafeso’s third year as head coach, the Blue Knights finished 20–10 overall with an eight place finish at the 2021–22 NJCAA DII National Tournament. In 2023, the Blue Knights took home the Region 13 Championship and Olafeso was named Region 13 Coach of the Year.

Prior to his coaching career, Coach Olafeso was an outstanding basketball player at Minneapolis Community and Technical College (MCTC) and Concordia University, St. Paul. At MCTC, he was an All-Conference, All-State, All-Region, and All-Tournament performer as well as a key member of the 33–2 national runner-up team.

At Concordia, Olafeso was named the newcomer of the year, and he made the All-Conference Team twice. He graduated from Concordia University, St. Paul with a B.A. in Sports Management. He recently completed an M.S. in Coaching and Athletic Administration at Concordia.