It was a good day for the basketball teams from North Central Missouri College on Saturday as both the Lady Pirates and Pirates picked up home wins over Southwestern Community College at the Ketcham Community Center in Trenton. The North Central women scored a 69-58 victory and the men won 60-55.
Lady Pirates
The Lady Pirates took awhile to get going on Saturday, but eventually their shots began to fall. Southwestern took advantage of poor shooting on the Lady Pirates’ part early and ran out to a 13-point lead. The Lady Pirates closed the half on a 10-0 run, however, drawing to within 31-28 at the break. In the second half, the Lady Pirates continued to have the hot hand from the floor, hitting shots throughout the second half. After trading baskets early in the half, the Lady Pirates pulled ahead for good and went on to win by 11 points.
“Our shots just weren’t falling in the first half,” Lady Pirates’ Head Coach Jenni Croy said. “I told (the team) at halftime to keep shooting, they’ll fall. We did a nice job in the second half of getting the ball inside. It was a good win and I was pleased with our girls for their continuous effort.”
Leading the way for the Lady Pirates was Lexi Hope, who had 18 points, six assists and three steals. Kayla Oetterer added 16 points and nine rebounds and Samone Redditt had 11 points, four assists and nine rebounds. The Lady Pirates also got 10 rebounds from Brooke Parton, who scored four points in the victory.
With the win, the Lady Pirates moved to 2-1 overall on the season.
Pirates
The Pirates found themselves in a game slowed down by Southwestern, but still managed to pick up the win. Despite being taken out of their run-and-gun game, the Pirates were able to take a 26-22 lead in the first half and maintain the advantage in the second, taking the game by five points.
“To win a close game at this time of year is extremely valuable for this group of kids,” Pirates’ Head Coach Steve Richman said. “It was a good win for us.”
Despite the low score, NCMC had three players in double figures. Avion Ashford had 11 points and seven rebounds and Jamin Brandt scored 11 points as well. Tyrell Thirkield finished the game with 10 points.
With the win, the Pirates improved to 3-1 on the season.
Both NCMC squads return to the court on Wednesday, traveling to Iowa Falls, IA to take on Ellsworth Community College. The women’s game tips off at 5:30 p.m. and the men’s contest will follow at 7:30.