NPCC Knights – Page 30 – North Platte Post Archive

NPCC Knights Defeat Lamar to Stay Atop Region IX South Sub-Region

Posted on February 7, 2015

The North Platte Community College Knights remained atop the Region IX South standings as they defeated the Lamar Community College Lopers 65-58 Friday night at McDonald-Belton Gymnasium.

The Lopers started off the scoring and led the Knights 3-0 on a three-pointer by Jon Dunmyer. That would be the only lead that the Lopers would have for the rest of the night.

The Knights shot 50% in the first half going 12 of 24, but only one of seven from behind the arc.

Lamar kept it close with their full court press and causing turnovers. The Knights had 17 turnovers in the game.

During the first half the Knights went on a 17-2 run to take a 19-7 lead for their biggest lead of the game. With the Knights leading 23-11 the Lopers went on a 9-0 run to cut the lead to three, 23-20. Field goals by Fadil Robinson, Cameron Williams and Tyree Peter stretched the lead to 30-24 at halftime.

The Lopers rallied after halftime to tie the game at 39 with 11:43 left in the game. The rally was short lived as the Knights went on an 11- 0 run to lead 50-39. Matt Thomas and Riley Rice fueled the rally, including back to back field goals by Rice.

The Lopers went on a 13-4 run to close within two, 54-52 with 4:41 to go in the game. The Knights outscored the Lopers down the stretch 11-6, including eight points by Williams to seal the victory.

The Knights, who are now 20-4 and 10-1 in Region IX South sub-region play, were led in scoring by Williams, who led all scorers with 18 points. Matt Thomas added 12 and Rice added 11. Marco Pascolo led the team in rebounding with 8 rebounds.

The Lopers, 7-17 on the year and 4-7 in the sub-region had two players in double figures led by Jiere Morrisey with 12 points and Garrett Hyde chipped in 10.

The Knights return to action February 13 when they travel to Torrington, Wyoming to play Eastern Wyoming College.

NPCC Lady Knights Game Vs. York JV Canceled

Posted on February 6, 2015February 6, 2015

The women’s basketball game between the North Platte Community College Lady Knights and York College Junior Varsity scheduled for Monday, February 9 has been canceled. The game will not be made up.

Girl Scout night which was scheduled for that night has been rescheduled for February 20 against Southeast Community College.

Complete information about Mid-Plains Community College’s programs, locations, future course offerings and contacts may be found on the college website at www.mpcc.edu. Check out all things Knights Athletics at www.npccknights.com

NPCC Softball to Open on Road Against Colby

Posted on February 5, 2015

The North Platte Community College Knights Softball team will open their spring campaign on Saturday, February 7 on the road in a doubleheader against the Colby Community College Lady Trojans at the Carl Adams Softball Field.

The Knights look to improve on last year’s 10-28 record. They return five sophomores and added nine freshmen to this year’s squad. Shannon Lieber, Brittney Odum, and Jazmin ‘Mahana’ Chang are returning starters for coach Janelle Higgins, who is in her fifth season as the Knights head coach.

The Lady Trojans were 10-40 during the 2013-14 season. The Lady Trojans return 4 players Morgan Worthington, Sarah Churchwell, Breta Alstrom and Kasse Swisher.

Game times are at noon and 2 p.m. CST

NPCC Knights Softball Looking to Compete for Region Title

Posted on February 5, 2015

The North Platte Community College Knights softball team comes into the spring 2015 season with optimism and high goals. Knights Head Coach Janelle Higgins, who is in her fifth season with the Knights, said about this year’s squad, “I think we have a good chance to come out pretty decent on the conference side and on the region side. We have a pretty good group of sophomores that are our core that is returning for us.”

The three starters that return are Shannon Lieber, Brittney Odum and Jazmin (Mehana) Chang. Sara Runia is returning from an ACL injury last year and Christina Rodie is the other returning sophomore on this year’s team.

The pitching staff will be anchored by Shannon Lieber, who will get a majority of the starts. Lieber, in the 2013-14 campaign had an earned run average of 4.65 in 75.1 innings pitched. She had 3 wins and 6 losses on the season. The Knights have other players who can step in and get some innings.

“Sara Runia has showed a lot of potential in the fall and the spring working on her pitching,” said Higgins. Higgins also looks to freshman Baileigh Oleson, along with Runia, to be back up to Lieber, and get some starts. “She has a lot of hard work and ‘go after it’ attitude. She gets it done on the mound,” Higgins said about Oleson”

Other Knights that will compete out of the bullpen will be Sara Villalobos and Audrie Conner, along with Toree Polsley and Andrea Quiroga to provide some relief. As for pitching, according to Higgins, “We look pretty well depth wise.”

The catcher position is up for grabs. The Knights will look to freshmen Villalobos and Jessica Jarvis, along with sophomore Rodie to handle the catching duties. “Villalobos has stuck out as a good candidate to get some starts. Jarvis will get a lot of starts as well. Jarvis is very quick. We just have to get her some confidence. She is a quiet kid and soft spoken kid, so to get her to open up those lungs and be a vocal leader will get her some starts,” Higgins said.

How the infield shapes up is dependent on who is pitching. Runia and Oleson play middle infield for the Lady Knights. Lieber, when not pitching will play first or second. Polsley can play second. Caroline Mobis will play first or third. “She is very strong, very quick and has a solid arm. I see her getting a lot of innings at third,” said Higgins.

The outfield has two returning players in it, Brittney Odum and Mahana Chang. The third outfielder could rotate depending on who is pitching and catching. Some of the candidates to fill the third position are Christina Rodie, Sara Villalobos, Jessica Jarvis and Andrea Quiroga.

Hitting wise, Higgins said, “We have some pretty good bats coming back. Odum has been working hard in the off-season cranking the ball, along with Chang. Lieber has been working hard and Christina Rodie had some key hits in the fall season.”

Higgins noted freshmen that should contribute offensively. Baileigh Oleson will supply some power. Higgins also mentioned Caroline Mobis.

“During the fall portion of the schedule, Mobis batted in the leadoff spot. She is very consistant. She is good at reading the count, reading the batters and reading the pitchers,” Higgins said. Other freshmen that could provide some power Higgins mentioned are Tara Crouch and Andrea Quiroga. “Out of the 14 kids on the roster, all 14 have the chance to show us some real good at bats” Higgins said.

The running game will miss Siarra Velasquez, who moved on to William Penn University. Velasquez had 36 stolen bases last season. The Knights will look to Audrie Conner, Andrea Quiroga and Mehana Chang to provide spark on the base paths.

The Knights open up the season on Saturday, February 7, as they travel to Colby Community College in a doubleheader. Game times are at noon and 2 p.m. CST.

The Knights will be on the road for the month of February. They will have games throughout the month in Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and Colorado before their first home game against Colby Community College on March 8.

ESPN Radio will once again do play by play of many Knights softball games. They can also be heard on the internet at www.northplattepost.com . Most of the home games will be live streamed on www.coachesaid.com.

NPCC Lady Knights Travel to Face Northwest Kansas Tech

Posted on February 4, 2015

The North Platte Community College Lady Knights travel to Goodland, KS to face the Northwest Kansas Technical College Lady Mavericks on Saturday February 7. Tip-off is set for 2:00 p.m. CST.

The Lady Knights were defeated by the Lady Mavericks in North Platte on January 12, 59-57. In that game, after the Lady Knights had tied the score at 57 to potentially send the game into overtime, the Lady Mavericks went the length of the court to make the game winning shot.

The Lady Knights are led in scoring by April Stull with a 15.7 points per game average. Stull is currently 13^th on the Lady Knights all-time scoring list with 641 career points. Stull also leads the team in rebounding with 9.1 rebounds per game. Aliyah Brown is the only other Lady Knight in double figures with a 10.4 points per game average. Brown leads the team in steals with 3.8 steals per game.

The Lady Mavericks, who are 7-18 on the season, are led in scoring by Nyachiang Bile, who is averaging 14.1 points per game. In the earlier game against North Platte, Bile scored 15 points, along with Leticia Rodriguez to lead the Lady Mavericks. Rodriguez has a 10.2 points per game average, the only other Lady Maverick to average in double figures. Shambrey Budd leads the Lady Mavericks in rebounding with 5.9 rebounds per game.

The Lady Knights were to travel to Colorado Springs, Colorado on February 6 to play the Air Force Prep. That game has been cancelled.

The Lady Knights return home on February 9 to face the York College Junior Varsity. That game is designated as Girl Scout Night.

NPCC Knights to Host Lamar

Posted on February 4, 2015

The North Platte Community College Knights return to the court Friday, February 6 to take on the Lamar Community College Lopers in a National Junior College Athletic Association Region IX south sub-region contest.

Tip – off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. CST at McDonald-Belton Gymnasium on the south campus of North Platte Community College.

The Knights defeated the Lopers at Lamar on December 6, 86-81.

The Knights are 19-4 overall and 9-1 and currently in first place in the sub-region are led in scoring by Cameron Williams with 22.7 points per game. Williams is currently seventh in NJCAA Division I scoring. Other Knights in double figures are Marco Pascolo, who is averaging 11.9 points per game and Shyquinn Dix, who is averaging 11.1 points per game. Pascolo leads the team in rebounding with 8.1 rebounds per game which currently is second in Region IX – South. Matt Thomas leads the Knights with 2.5 assists per game.

The Lopers, under first year coach, Sercan Fenerci have struggled at times this season. They are currently 7-16 overall and 4-6 in the sub-region. After starting the season 2-14, the Lopers have won five of their last seven games; four of which were against Region IX – South opponents. The Lopers are led in scoring by Tiwian Kendley, who is averaging 15 points per game. Jiere Morrisey is next in scoring with 9.6 points per game. Chris Lewis averages 9.2 points per game and leads the team in rebounding with 7.4 rebounds per game.

The game will be live streamed at www.coachesaid.com .

NPCC Knights Softball Signs Ramirez from Scottsbluff

Posted on February 2, 2015

The North Platte Community College Knights added Lou Ramirez to their 2015-2016 softball recruiting class. Ramirez is from Scottsbluff, Nebraska and played for the Scottsbluff High School Lady Bearcats. Ramirez said that her favorite position is the outfield but can play various other positions.

Scottsbluff High School softball coach Mike Gentry said about Ramirez, “Lou is just a really hard worker and she’s one of those kids that you can just pretty much put wherever on the field. If we had somebody that would go down she is very versatile, we could plug her in at any different positions.”

Knights softball coach Janelle Higgins said, “We are looking for someone to come in and help us in the outfield, but also be that utility player. At the college level, you are never just an outfielder or infielder.”

Ramirez batted in the lead off position for the Lady Bearcats. Coach Gentry added about Ramirez, “She is just a very dynamic player and really took hold of the leadoff spot for us this past year. She really made us click. She is a great player and really glad she has this opportunity. Her hard work and dedication sets her apart.”

Ramirez said that she was planning on just staying in Scottsbluff and going to school and not playing softball but when the opportunity came up she took it. “It’s pretty exciting that I get to go play softball. I really wasn’t expecting to, but Coach Higgins got a hold of Coach Gentry and asked about us. I went to a camp and really liked it. I really loved the campus, so it’s pretty exciting” Ramirez said. “It’s really exciting, softball is the only sport I play that I’m good at so to further it makes me happy.”

Ramirez plans to major in Early Childhood Development while attending North Platte Community College.

Ramirez took part in the Mid-Winter Softball Clinic that was held January 17 at the North Campus Hitting Facility at North Platte Community College. Coach Higgins said, “She came to camp not knowing what she was coming into. We had a little talk before letting them know what they are getting into; what college softball life is like. She really meshed with the freshmen who will be returning and with recruits who were also there.” Higgins added, “Seeing how hard she worked in camp, she stood out and proved that she is there to play.”

Ramirez in her senior year with the Bearcats appeared in 28 games and batted .410 with six doubles and four triples. She also scored 26 runs and knocked in 15 runners. Ramirez had a .471 on base percentage and a .569 slugging percentage. She also stole 18 bases.

Ramirez also played in the summer for the Twisters, a travelling team who went 81-9-1 in 2013 and won the Nebraska 16 and under state tournament. She plans to play for 23 club this summer to prepare for college.

Higgins said “I really think she will be able to step in and help us out. We look for those kids that want to work hard and play softball.”

Ramirez is the fourth recruit for the Knights softball program for 2015-2016. The others include: Shelby Belloni, of Lakewood, Colorado; Sami Gill, of Gilcrest, Colorado; and Antonia Villani, of Frederick, Colorado.

NPCC Knights Defeat Central

Posted on January 31, 2015

The North Platte Community College Knights entertained the “Mentoring Night” crowd defeating the Central Community College Raiders 100-56 at McDonald – Belton Gymnasium on Friday night.

Mentors and Mentees were in attendance representing Community Connections and Teammates.

The Knights started out slow, but soon opened the game up. With the Knights leading 13-10 with just under 14 minutes to play, the Knights went on a 27-9 run to lead at halftime 40-19.

In the second half it was all Knights, leading by as much as 49 points, 100-51.

Late in the game, Knights Head Coach cleared his bench and rested the starters. The bench players put on a show for the packed gym attendees.

The Knights, who are now 19-4 on the season, had four players in double figures led by Cameron Williams with 25 points. Michael Mitchel came off the bench and scored 14 points, Matt Thomas scored 12 and Marco Pascolo scored 11 points. In the game 12 of the 13 players that got into the game scored.

The Raiders drop to 5-19 on the season. They were led in scoring by Thomas Johnson with 21 points, followed closely by Ojuock Thok with 20 points.

The Knights are in action next week when they play the Lamar Community College Lopers at McDonald – Belton Gymnasium on Friday, February 6. The game will be live streamed on www.coachesaid.com .

Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. CST.

NPCC Lady Knights Defeat Central in Key Region IX Game

Posted on January 31, 2015

The North Platte Community College Lady Knights defeated the Central Community College Lady Raiders in a key National Junior College Athletic Association Region IX Division II contest 81-68 at McDonald – Belton Gymnasium.

The game was designated as “Mentoring Night.”

The Lady Knights jumped out to an early lead, 6-0 with field goals by Ester Micheva and April Stull and free throws by Sarah Mahr.

The Lady Raiders rallied to tie the score at 13 with 16:25 to go in the first half on a field goal by Adrianna Beck. It was the last tie of the game as the Lady Knights led for the remainder of the game. The score at half time was 40-26.

The Lady Knights held the Lady Raiders to 14 points below their season average of 82.1 points per game.

In the second half the Lady Knights continued to dominate the game leading by as much as 18, 44-26. The Lady Raiders rallied to cut the Lady Knights lead to four, 68-64. The Lady Knights put it away down the stretch by making 11 of 14 free throws.

The Lady Knights improve to 11-10 on the season and 2-1 in the region, which puts them currently in second place. Southeast Community College is currently atop the region.

The Lady Knights had four players score in double figures, led by T’Keyah Stapleton with 18 points off the bench. Aliyah Brown contributed 16 points, Stull added 14, and Mahr scored 11 points. Brown also had eight rebounds and four steals to lead the Lady Knights in those categories.

The Lady Raiders drop to 12-9 on the season and 0-3 in the region. McKenna Rossmeier led the Lady Raiders with a game high 20 points. Beck and Montrese Weller each contributed 13 points.

The Lady Knights take to the road on Sunday and travel to Crete to play the Doane College JV Lady Tigers. Tip-off for the game is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. CST.

NPCC to Host Mentoring Night

Posted on January 29, 2015

The North Platte Community College Knights and Lady Knights will be playing the Central Community College Raiders and Lady Raiders on Friday night at the McDonald – Belton Gymnasium on the South Campus of North Platte Community College.

The games have been designated as “Mentoring Night”. Those people who are involved in one of the mentoring agencies, whether they are a mentor or a mentee, will be admitted into the game free of charge. Those who are wearing mentoring t-shirts will receive a voucher for a free bag of popcorn at the concession stand. Information about mentoring will be available for anyone interested in becoming a mentor.

The women’s game is a National Junior College Athletic Association Region IX Division II game. The Knights are 1-1 in the region having already recorded a win against the Lady Raiders. The Lady Raiders are 0-2 in the region. Southeast Community College is currently leading the region with a 2-0 record.

The Lady Knights are 10 – 10 on the season and are led in scoring by April Stull with 15.8 points per game. Stull is currently second in the region in scoring and 13^th on the Lady Knights All-Time Scoring list. Aliyah Brown is averaging 10.0 points per game and 3.6 steals per game.

The Lady Raiders are 12-9 and have three players averaging in double figures. They are led by Adrianna Beck, who also leads the region in scoring, with 16.0 points per game. Montrese Weller is second on the team with 15.3 points per game. The third Lady Raider to average in double digits is Paige Muhammad with 12.4 points per game

The men’s game does not count in Region IX standings but is a Nebraska Community College Athletic Conference game. The Knights are 3-0 in conference play while the Raiders are 0-3 in the conference.

The Knights are 18-4 overall and are led in scoring by Cameron Williams, with 22.6 points per game. Williams is leading all of Region IX, 9^th in NJCAA Division I in scoring, and 20^th on the Knights All-Time scoring list with 937 career points. Other Knights averaging in double-figures are Marco Pascolo with an 11.9 points per game average. Shyquinn Dix is the third Knight to average double figures with 11.3 points per game. Pascolo also leads the team in rebounding with 8.1 rebounds per game.

The Raiders are 5-18 on the season and have three players in double figures. Shawn Robinson, who leads Region IX Division II in scoring is averaging 14.2 points per game. Thomas Johnson is next with 13.2 points per game and Matthew McLeod is third with 10.3 points per game. McLeod also leads the Raiders in rebounding with 5.2 rebounds per game.

Both games may be seen at www.coachesaid.com if you cannot make it to the McDonald Belton Gymnasium.

Tip –off for the women’s game is at 5:30 p.m. CST and the men’s game is at 7:30 p.m. CST.