by Alan Hoskins, KCKCC
Back at full strength for the first time this season, Kansas City Kansas Community College’s Lady Blue Devils jumped in front early and rolled to a 64-47 win over Washburn University’s JV in Topeka Tuesday night.
The win, KCKCC’s first on the road, improved the Blue Devils’ record to 3-1 heading into this weekend’s annual Keith Lindsey Classic. The Blue Devils will take on Saint Mary JV Friday at 6 p.m. and Penn Valley Saturday at 4 p.m.
Surging to a 20-10 first quarter lead, the Blue Devils widened it to 33-18 at halftime and 57-26 after three quarters.
Four Blue Devils scored in double figures led by sophomore Brooklyn Wagler, who had 16 points and 10 rebounds, her first double double of the season. Brie Tauai just missed a double double with 11 points and nine rebounds while Aeriel Holiday added 11 points and Ky’ana French 10.
“Probably our best game defensively for the first three quarters,” said KCKCC coach Joe McKinstry. Limiting Washburn to just 28.4 percent shooting the first three periods, the Blue Devils also forced 25 turnovers. “We were doing a great job of harassing and making things difficult for them to get anything accomplished offensively. The defensive effort also led to very good execution and easy baskets on the offensive end. The effort fell off drastically in the fourth quarter so we’ll need to focus more on playing a complete game.
“Offensively, Brooklyn Wagler and Brie Tauai were able to impact the game largely in the scoring and rebounding columns and Ky’Ana French gave us a big spark off the bench after redshirting last season and missing the first three games of this season. It was great to see her out there.”
Fort Scott’s women will play Penn Valley in the opening game of the Lindsey Classic Friday at 2 p.m. followed by a men’s game matching Highland and Livin’ The Dream at 4 p.m. Immediately following the KCKCC-Saint Mary JV game, 2016 KCKCC Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremonies will be held and will precede KCKCC’s men’s game against Link Year Prep.
Keith Lindsey Classic (Nov. 11-12)
Friday – Fort Scott women vs. Penn Valley, 2 p.m.; Highland men vs. Livin’ The Dream, 4 p.m.; KCKCC women vs. St. Mary JV, 6 p.m.; Hall Of Fame induction, 7:45 p.m.; KCKCC men vs. Link Year Prep, 8 p.m.
Saturday – Fort Scott women vs. St. Mary JV, noon; Highland men vs. Link Year Prep, 2 p.m.; KCKCC women vs. Penn Valley, 4 p.m.; KCKCC men vs. Livin’ The Dream, 6 p.m.