by Alan Hoskins, KCKCC
It took the biggest comeback in the last four years to send No. 3 ranked Kansas City Kansas Community College into the holiday break with a 14-1 record.
Down by as many as 18 points in the second quarter, the Lady Blue Devils overcame a rash of injuries to rally for an 85-77 win over Illinois Central in the St. Louis Classic Sunday. The win was the 10th in a row since KCKCC’s only loss at No. 1 ranked Kirkwood Nov. 9.
Career offensive performances by freshmen Kamryn Estell and Anija Frazier were the catalysts in the come-from-behind win. Estell had 29 points on 11-of-16 shooting and six rebounds while Frazier had her first double-double with 17 points and a team high 10 rebounds. Frazier’s 17 points included three 3-pointers and three steals.
“Kamryn Estell played very well,” KCKCC coach Joe McKinstry said. “Her 15 points kept us in the game the first half. We finally raised our play level after the half but didn’t get the lead until late in the third quarter.”
Illinois Central led 24-16 after one quarter and 47-40 at the half before a 24-16 third quarter pushed the Blue Devils in front 64-63 and they pulled away with a 21-14 fourth period.
“We only had eight players available due to injuries and I can honestly say that all eight had big moments in the game and everyone shared in the win,” McKinstry said.
Jada Mayberry had 10 points and five rebounds; Brodi Byrd eight points and five rebounds; and Adoreya Williams seven points while Aliyah Myers and Destiny Zamudio led in assists with three each.
Illinois Central had a 48-41 rebound edge which produced 15 second chance points. However, KCKCC committed just 14 turnovers to 19 for Central. Shooting-wise, the Blue Devils were 32-of-75 for 42.6 percent and 8-for-26 from 3-point (.307). Central shot 40.2 percent from the field and 42.3 percent from 3-point (11-of-26).
KCKCC is now idle until the second week in January when the Blue Devils play host to Southeast Nebraska Jan. 9 and Metropolitan Jan. 11. Then it’s on the road for three games before kicking off of the Jayhawk Conference season at Labette Nan. 22.