North Platte – The North Platte Community College Lady Knights basketball team defeated the Central Community College Lady Raiders 78-50 to win the Region IX Division II championship Monday night at the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium.

The Lady Raiders had an abbreviated roster and only suited up five players.

The Lady Knights jumped out to a 11-2 lead and led the entire game. They held a 21-9 lead after the first quarter.

The Lady Knights outscored the Lady Raiders 18-12 in the second quarter to take a 39-21 advantage at the break. Allison Tichy scored 13 of her team high 19 points in the first half.

At the beginning of the third quarter, the Lady Knights scored the first six points to push the lead to 24 at 45-21. The Lady Raiders followed up with their biggest run of the game scoring the next eight points to make the lead 45-29. The Lady Knights held a 56-35 lead at the end of the third quarter.

The Lady Knights started the fourth quarter by going on a 15-8 run to take their biggest lead of the game at 71-43.

The Lady Knights, now 10-18, had four players in double figures led by Tichy’s 19 points. Thomesha Wilson was next with 16 points, followed by Jessica Lovitt with 12 points. Lexa Lealiiee added 11 points. Wilson and Lovitt each recorded a double-double with 12 and 11 rebounds respectively.

Lovitt, Wilson, and Tichy were all named to the Division II All-Region IX team and the All-Region IX Division II Tournament Team.

The Lady Raiders finish their season at 14-15. Maddie Wolfe led all scorers with 25 points. Megan Fiala was the only other Lady Raider in double figures with 14 points. Payton Blanke recorded 10 rebounds to lead the Lady Raiders.

The Lady Knights continue their season on Saturday, March 11 hosting Region 13 winner Dakota College at McDonald-Belton Gymnasium at 3 pm for the District F playoff. The winner of that game will advance to the National Junior College Athletic Association Women’s Division II National Tournament in Harrison, Ark.