NCMC women's basketball, up to #12 in the latest NJCAA DII rankings, put on a well-rounded performance to secure a commanding 74-54 win against John Wood Community College on the road Wednesday night. The Lady Pirates showcased efficient teamwork and balanced contributions from their starters and bench players to improve to 6-1 for the season.
Leading the charge was Jessica Reeter, who delivered a standout performance with a game high 22 points. Reeter was particularly lethal from beyond the arc, connecting on 5 of 10 three-point attempts and showing poise at the free-throw line, where she went 5 of 6. Her offensive prowess was complemented by her playmaking ability, dishing out six assists and grabbing seven rebounds in an all-around effort.
Jacie Morris provided a powerful presence in the paint, finishing with 13 points on an efficient 5-for-7 shooting. Morris dominated the boards, pulling down nine rebounds and adding two blocks, anchoring the team defensively. Meanwhile, Gladys Brown showcased her versatility, contributing 10 points, seven rebounds, and an impressive eight assists, acting as the engine for NCMC's offense.
The Pirates' depth was on full display, with contributions coming from across the roster. Abbi Fountain was a key force off the bench, pulling down a game high 11 rebounds and chipping in six points. Talicia Byrd added a spark with five points in just eight minutes, including a three-pointer. A'Myah Bankston and Oliviya Tinoco added solid defensive efforts, combining for 10 rebounds and limiting second-chance opportunities for the opposition.
Defensively, NCMC stifled John Wood's offense, holding them to a mere 27.8% shooting from the field and an abysmal 13.8% from three-point range. While John Wood's Blair Eftink and Kylee Barry led their team with 14 points apiece, NCMC's defense forced them into tough, contested shots throughout the game.
The Pirates also excelled on the boards, out-rebounding John Wood 50-37. This dominance in the rebounding department translated into extra opportunities, which they capitalized on with a balanced offensive attack.
Despite committing 23 turnovers, a stat Coach Croy will certainly be working with the team to improve, NCMC's defensive intensity and efficient shooting (44.4% from the field and 38.5% from three) allowed them to maintain control. Their ability to share the ball—recording 21 assists as a team—further demonstrated their cohesive play.
This victory marks a strong showing for NCMC, highlighting their depth, defensive tenacity, and ability to execute offensively. With contributions from across the roster, the Pirates continue to establish themselves as a formidable unit moving forward. Their next matchup will be on the road Dec. 4th when they take on Allen County CC. Tipoff will be at 6:00pm in Iola, KS.