Story by NPCC Athletic Communications
North Platte, Neb. – Nevaeh Golden tallied 17 points to lead six North Platte players in double figures, as the Knights upset (RV) Des Moines Area Community College, 87-64, on Friday.
Golden recorded her 17 points on 6-of-11 shooting from the field, including 3-of-4 from downtown. Zaily Mazarin added 13 points and six rebounds, while EmmaJo Locks recorded 12 points, nine steals, four rebounds and five assists in 30 minutes of action.
North Platte held the momentum early after racing out to a 9-3 lead on a Madison Cheleen layup. Bears surged back over the final 6:18 of the quarter to narrow the margin to 15-14, before a pair of free throws extended the margin back to three at the end of the first quarter.
Des Moines evened the game at 20-20 inside the opening two minutes of the quarter, before taking their first lead of the game on a three by Chloe Costello. The lead changed hands three more times over the closing minutes, but the black and gold used a 9-4 run over the final 2:55 to take a 36-30 lead into halftime.
The Knights offense exploded for an 11-3 run in the opening 2:40 of the third quarter. Bears halted the run before a layup by Locks sparked a 9-3 spurt that pushed the margin to 60-42. Des Moines rallied with an 8-1 run to cut the margin to 61-50 headed into the final ten minutes.
A pullup jumper from Kateria Gooden ignited an 11-2 run as the lead stretched to 72-52. Knights continued to dominate the Bears defensively while adding to their lead. Des Moines could not overcome the large deficit as North Platte closed out the win.
Knights finished the game shooting 45.3 percent (34-75) from the field, while recording 36 points off of 32 Des Moines turnovers.
Knights (6-3) will be back in action on Wednesday as they take on Air Force Prep. Tip is set for 5:30 p.m. inside the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium.