North Platte, Neb. – Nevaeh Golden had a career high 26 points to help lead the Knights to a 74-60 victory in the North Central A District Championship on Saturday.
Nevaeh Golden scored 15 points in the second half to accompany her six rebounds, three steals and two assists in 31 minutes of action. Jada Thompson chipped in 17 points and eight rebounds, while freshman Dezirae Gonzales added 14 points and two blocks.
“I’m so proud of this group, especially the sophomores,” said head coach Jeff Thurman. “They guided and willed us to this win.”
The Trojans of North Iowa Area Community College did not hesitate as they opened up a 16-4 lead with 5:14 to play in the first quarter. A steal and layup by Nariah Golden halted the Trojans offense, but they extended their lead to 27-9 at the end of the first quarter.
The next three quarters belonged to the Knights as they outscored their opponents 65-33 in the final thirty minutes. A 16-4 rally cut the margin to 31-25 on a three-point play by Nevaeh Golden to open the second quarter.
Trojans managed to stretch their lead back to nine, before a quick 5-0 burst cut the margin to four with 1:03 remaining. Reggi Spotts earned a trip to the free throw line in the final minute to push the Trojans lead to 38-32 at the halftime break.
North Platte opened the second half on fire, utilizing a 13-0 run to take their first lead of the game. Knights continued to dominate on the defensive end while their offense stretched their lead to 57-47 at the end of third.
“The third quarter was the best defensive performance we have played all year,” said Thurman. “What a great time for that to happen.”
An 11-1 run stretched the North Platte advantage to 68-48 on a layup by Thompson with 4:13 to play. The sizeable lead seemed insurmountable, but the Trojans made one final run to close the margin to 71-60 inside the final two minutes.
North Platte never backed down as strong defense helped put the finishing touches on their district title.
North Platte (20-12) will now set its sights on the NJCAA DII National Tournament held March 17-22 in Joplin, Mo.
