Story by NPCC Athletic Communication
North Platte, Neb.– North Platte finished the night with six players in double-digits, as they dominated the Panthers of York University JV, 95-22, on Tuesday.
"We had a strong defensive performance tonight," said head coach Jeff Thurman. "It takes the stress off the offense when you can convert 43 turnovers into 49 points.”
Jada Thompson led the Knights with 18 points on 8-of-16 shooting from the field. Kateria Gooden added 14 points and eight rebounds, while Dezirae Gonzales finished with 14 points. Joie Rodriguez (13), Nevaeh Golden (12), Madison Cheleen (10) rounded out the North Platte players in double figures.
Knights used a resilient defense to jump out to a 22-0 lead, before a runner by Regan Coffey sparked a 4-0 spurt with 1:37 remaining. North Platte responded by stretching a 25-0 run into the second quarter, before seven straight points cut the lead to 47-11 at halftime.
Knights used a 15-2 run in the third quarter to extend their lead to 62-13 on a jumper by Rodriguez. North Platte held the Panthers to just three more points over the final 5:23 to take a 73-16 lead into the fourth. North Platte outscored the Panthers 22-6 over the final ten minutes to close out the win.
North Platte (13-10) travels to Norfolk on Saturday to take on Northeast Community College. Tip is scheduled for 1 p.m.