Jayhawks Struggle Against NCCC

Jayhawks Struggle Against NCCC

Courtesy of the Jamestown Post Journal www.post-journal.com/sports

Led by six players in double figures, a superb performance on the defensive end of the floor and a tremendous effort on the glass, Niagara County Community College's women's basketball team was able to record a 95-35 NJCAA Region 3 Division II victory over Jamestown CC on Wednesday night at the Physical Education Complex.

The Thunderwolves, who improved their overall record to 16-2 on the season, outrebounded the Jayhawks, 58-24, shot 43 percent from the field (34 of 79), 50 percent from beyond the arc (10 of 20) and forced 22 turnovers en route to the win.

Several area natives made their presence felt as well for Niagara County CC.

Southwestern Central School graduate and current freshman Diamond Fedrick poured in a game-high 15 points and hauled in eight rebounds, sophomore Peyton Butts (Jamestown/Jamestown High School) scored 12 points and drained four 3-pointers and freshman Madison Sullivan (Jamestown/Southwestern Central School) scored 3 points, grabbed three rebounds and handed out a team-high three assists.

"Peyton is a two-year kid for us," Niagara County CC head coach Nate Beutel said. "I mean you saw it, she is a (great) 3-pointer shooter when she gets hot. And she's also a kid that can guard multiple positions because of her size. … Diamond had really come along. She's matured a lot. Her ceiling is very high. She's very athletic for a post player, she can get up and down the floor, she's a really good offensive rebounder, too. And Maddie is probably the best passer on our team. … I think she has the best passing ability on our team and I think she adds that to us."

Alliyah Gillespie (14 points), Taliyah Hopkins (13 points), Nina Starkweather (12 points) and Neraelyn Trueheart (10 points) all played well offensively as well for the Thunderwolves.

Jamestown CC (6-11, 1-1) was led by 9 points from Emilee Sperry, 7 points from Hayden Burgeson and 7 points from Jada Jackson.

The Jayhawks trailed 24-12 after one quarter of play, but were outscored a combined 47-12 over the second and third quarters and ultimately gave up 31 second-chance points.

"It was just so obvious in the second half," Jamestown CC head coach Travis Wells said in regard to his team's rebounding struggles. "Every time they'd come down if they'd miss, it was one chance, two chances, three chances and you just can't give a team of that caliber that many opportunities. … (We've got to) come back to work and keep working hard. That's all you can do and that's all you can ask is to come back, keep working, stick your nose to the grindstone and get better."

Notes: Prior to the game, a moment of silence was held for Southwestern Central School graduate and former Jamestown CC student Justin Romaniuk, who passed away Monday as a result of an automobile accident. … 

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