by Alan Hoskins, KCKCC
Playing their second game in 18 hours, it took Kansas City Kansas Community College’s Lady Blue Devils a half to get some momentum against Marshalltown Community College Saturday.
But once they did, the Blue Devils rolled to a 68-37 win – their 12th win in 13 starts heading into another big home test against North Central Missouri (8-2) Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.
It will be the second meeting of the two teams, KCKCC needing a late rally for a 75-69 win in the season opener for both teams in Trenton. After an 83-73 loss to Johnson County in the JCCC Classic in their third game, the Lady Pirates have won seven in a row..
Coming off a 73-57 win over North Arkansas that avenged their only loss of the season Friday night, the Blue Devils could muster only two field goals the first five minutes against Marshalltown and trailed 8-5 before back-to-back 3-point goals by Camryn Swanson propelled the Blue Devils to a 17-11 first quarter lead.
It was still just 27-22 at halftime before the Blue Devil defense stepped front and center, limiting Marshalltown (5-6) to just two third quarter field goals in nine attempts and outscoring the Pirates 24-5 for a 51-27 lead. For the game, the Tigers were limited to just 13 field goals in 50 attempts, 26 percent shooting that was far below their season average of .455.
Nija Collier was the only Blue Devil in double figures, scoring 15 points and hauling down 13 rebounds – both game highs. Swanson and Kisi Young added nine points each, Tee Martin eight and Lillie Moore and Caitlyn Stewart six each as 10 Blue Devils scored and none of the 14 who played saw more than 22 minutes of court time.
“This is the third game this week I felt like our defense and rebounding were outstanding,” KCKCC coach Joe McKinstry said. “Our ‘three-headed monster’ of Kisi Young, Nija Collier and Lillie Moore continue to give us great effort around the basket.”
Led by the trio’s 26 rebounds (11 offensive), KCKCC dominated the boards 45-36 and even more impressive, the Blue Devils had assists on 22 of their 27 field goals. Alix Wilson and Tee Martin led in assists with four each.
“We struggled again from the perimeter (.278 from 3-point) but I love our assist-to-made basket ratio,” McKinstry said. “I still have a lot of confidence in our ability to make shots from deep. We just need to stay ready when the ball comes our way. For this group to be 12-1 at this point speaks a lot to their talent level and competitiveness. I’m very proud of them and excited for our final four games before the Christmas break.”
After the North Central game Wednesday, the Blue Devils finish pre-holiday play against Wabash Valley in the St. Louis Community College Classic Dec. 10, at Park University Dec. 11 and a challenging finales at Des Moines Area Community College Dec. 15.
