HIGHLIGHTS: Lady Knights drought hits eight straight with loss to Central

North Platte – The North Platte Community College Lady Knights basketball team were defeated by Region IX Division II opponent, the Central Community College Lady Raiders Saturday afternoon 71-67 at the McDonald – Belton Gymnasium.

The Lady Raiders struck first and jumped out to a 9-4 lead. The Lady Knights battled back and tied the score at 16 at the end of the first quarter.

The Lady Knights started the second quarter on a 12-4 run to take their largest lead in the first half at 28-20. The Lady Raiders went on their own run of 8-4 to cut the Lady Knights lead at halftime to 32-28.

Janelle Acevedo and Hannah Johnson opened up the third quarter with a pair of three-pointers to stretch out the Lady Knights lead to 38-28. The Lady Raiders used their inside game and free throw shooting to pull within three at 46-43. Paxton Thorne hit a three-pointer to tie the score at 46. Payton Blanke made a free throw to give the lead to the Lady Raiders at 47-46. After a basket by each team the Lady Knights Nahtabaa Nacona made a three-pointer at the buzzer to tie the score at 51 going into the final quarter.

The Lady Raiders opened up the fourth quarter with a 6-0 run to lead 57-51. The Lady Knights was able to regain the lead at 60-59 on a basket by Donaija Buirst. The Lady Raiders took the lead for good on the next possession on a basket by Thorne.

The Lady Knights are now 1-11 on the season and 0-2 in Region IX Division II play. Sophomore Allison Tichy led the Lady Knights in scoring with 21 points. Naria Hall also scored in double figures with 10 points. Lexa Lealiiee and Peighton Porter each had seven rebounds to lead the Lady Knights.

The Lady Raiders are now 4-13 on the season and 1-0 in Region IX Division II play. Maddy Wolfe led all scorers with 29 points. Blanke finished with 21 points and Thorne had 10 points. Blanke and Wolfe each had double-doubles, as they finished with 14 and 12 rebounds respectively.

The Lady Knights will take to the road and play Eastern Wyoming College on Saturday, January 20. Tipoff is scheduled for 3 pm CST.