Story by NPCC Athletic Communications
North Platte, Neb. – North Platte stretches win streak to eight games with a 74-51 win over Central Community College on Saturday.
Neveah Golden led the Knights with 21 points for her tenth double digit performance of the season. Jada Thompson followed with 11 points, while Dezirae Gonzales and Madison Cheleen chipped in nine points apiece.
"What an amazing turnout, there was so much energy in the gym this afternoon," said head coach Jeff Thurman. “We are extremely grateful for the kids and community support.”
A baseline jumper by Kateria Gooden helped North Platte jump out to a 12-4 lead. A quiet 6-1 rally cut the margin to three inside the final three minutes, but the Knights closed the quarter on an 8-2 run to stretch their lead to 21-12.
The margin drifted to 25-14 in the opening two minutes of the second quarter. Knights continued to hold a double-digit lead as the margin was pushed to 38-21 on a layup by Nariah Golden. Central answered by scoring five straight points but still faced a 12-point halftime deficit.
I’m proud of our effort on the defensive end," said Thurman. “We fought through some early foul trouble and got some good minutes from our bench.”
Strong defensive limited the Raiders to just nine points in the third quarter. North Platte would not slow down scoring 19 in the frame as they widen their advantage to 55-35.
The black and gold had a shooting battle in the fourth quarter but managed to outscore the Raiders 17-16 to remain unbeaten in Region IX play.
Knights (18-10, 4-0 Region IX) will host Northeastern Junior College on Friday. Tip is scheduled for 5 p.m. inside McDonald-Belton Gymnasium.