by Alan Hoskins, KCKCC
The stage is set for a winner-take-all playoff re-match between No. 4 ranked Highland and No. 11 Kansas City Kansas Community College in the Region VI Division II playoffs.
KCKCC wrapped up a first round playoff bye Wednesday with a 65-40 win at Fort Scott. It was the 27th win in 30 starts for the Blue Devils and gave them a share of second with Highland in the Jayhawk Conference and Region VI with 7-3 records. However, KCKCC earned the higher seed by virtue of strength of schedule.
Assuming a Highland home court win over sixth place Brown Mackie Saturday, KCKCC and the Lady Scotties will clash in a semifinal game at KCKCC Tuesday at 7 p.m. That winner will then advance to the Region VI championship game Thursday at Hartman Arena near Wichita.
Should Highland and KCKCC collide, it will be the third meeting of the two ranked powers. Both teams won at home, Highland 82-71 Jan. 13 and KCKCC 77-67 Feb. 7.
The Lady Blue Devils used a stingy defense to overcome a chilly shooting night for the 65-40 win at Fort Scott. The Blue Devils were just 23-of-63 for 36.5 percent from the field but limited the Lady Greyhounds to only 16 field goals in 58 attempts for a season low 27.6 percent. The Blue Devils also forced 24 turnovers.
“I was very happy with our defensive effort tonight,” said KCKCC coach Joe McKinstry. “I have stressed many times this season that on nights when shots aren’t falling, you have to do other things to win and I felt like our team bought into that night.
“Offensively, we did a very good job of sharing the basketball (17 assists on 23 field goals). We just had a rough time finishing the play and getting the ball to go through the basket. But I was pleased with our effort and intensity. We also got some great contributions from our bench when we had some foul problems with a couple of players so it’s nice to be able to count on those ladies this time of the year.”
Sophomore Janay Jacobs provided the biggest lift off the bench, scoring a career high 11 points including 3-of-5 three-pointers while reserves Brie Tauai added six points and Kyliea Jarrett four.
Erin Anderson had 14 points and Brooklyn Wagler 13 to lead the scoring while Cheyenne North had a game high 14 rebounds, seven points, six assists, five steals and two blocked shots. Arrica Daye had five assists.
“For this group to be 27-3 is a fantastic accomplishment,” McKinstry said. “They have persevered through a lot and they are very deserving to be in the position they are in. Hopefully we can carry that momentum into next week.”
Alan Hoskins is the sports information director of KCKCC.