by Alan Hoskins, KCKCC
Kansas City Kansas Community College rode a spectacular shooting performance by newcomer Aeriel Holiday to an early season 71-58 showdown win over No. 17 ranked Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) Friday night.
A sophomore transfer from Sul Ross State in Texas, Holiday scored 30 points, grabbed seven rebounds and made five steals to boost the No. 10 ranked Blue Devils’ record to 2-1 heading into the annual Keith Lindsey Classic Friday and Saturday.
“A well-needed win against a very good team and a traditionally successful program,” KCKCC coach Joe McKinstry said.
Holiday was 6 of 10 from 3-point range and did not miss on six attempts from inside the arc, finishing 12 of 16 for the night.
“Aeriel Holiday did exactly what she’s capable of doing,” McKinstry said. “She obviously scored the ball well but also had seven rebounds and five steals. That’s the type of player she’s capable of being and what I’ve been pushing for her to realize.”
The Blue Devils also got 16 points and seven rebounds from Brie Tauai; 12 rebounds, eight points and five assists from Brooklyn Wagler; and six assists and eight points from Valencia Scott.
Trailing early, the Blue Devils took a 31-27 halftime lead and extended it to 16 points in the second half only to have the Lady Bears close the gap to 56-51 with five minutes to go. However, Scott hit back-to-back field goals including a 3-pointer and Holiday scored three times in the final 2½ minutes, twice off steals to seal the win.
“We had very big plays all night long from a handful of players,” McKinstry said. “Brie Tauai has been very consistent on offense as we try to find our way as a team. DaShundra Morgan has been fantastic at finding open teammates (five assists) and making an impact in a variety of ways. Valencia Scott knocked down some very timely shots and that’s very gratifying because she’s worked hard and earned this W.”
Also instrumental in the win was a 42-37 edge in rebounding over a much taller DMACC team led by 6-4 Angel Agoth, who finished with 11 rebounds.
“Winning the rebounding edge against a much larger team speaks volumes to our effort level,” McKinstry said. “I was very proud of our girls’ toughness and effort tonight and I hope we as a group can see the team that we’re capable of being and build off this early matchup.”