The North Platte Community College Lady Knights basketball team were defeated by the Central Community College Lady Raiders 64-56 in the first National Junior College Athletic Association Region IX Division II contest for both teams.

The game was tight through the first half with the score being tied at 14 at the end of the first quarter. The Lady Raiders outscored the Lady Knights in the second quarter 17-14 to lead at halftime 31-28.

The Lady Knights cut the lead to one at the end of the third quarter 45-44 by outscoring the Lady Raiders 16-14.

The Lady Knights did tie the game at 55, but then the Lady Raiders outscored the Lady Knights 9-1 for the win.

The Lady Knights are now 6-7 on the season and 0-1 in Region IX Division II play.  They were led in scoring by Suhmer Mitchell, who finished the game with 18 points.  Mickenzie Brennan was the only other Lady Knights to score in double figures, she finished with 11 points.  Brennan also pulled down nine rebounds to lead the Lady Knights.

The Lady Raiders are 7-8 on the season and 1-0 in Division II play.   The Lady Raiders had four players in double figures led by Kelsey Flaherty with 13 points.  Kanesha Plater finished with 12 points. Christina Daniels and Teisha Snyder had 11 and 10 points respectively.  Shamantha Bryant led the Lady Raiders with nine rebounds.

The Lady Knights will return to action on Wednesday, January 20 at McDonald-Belton Gymnasium against Nebraska Community College Athletic Conference foe McCook Community College.  The game is part of “Law Enforcement Night”  All Law Enforcement and their families will be admitted free into the game.

Game time is at 5:30 pm CST.