Slow start costs Lady Pirates in season opener at Highland

The North Central Missouri College Lady Pirates battled a litany of fouls in the first quarter, and intense Highland defensive pressure in the second quarter, falling behind by the half, and unable to get back the lead in the second half, as the Scotties won 64-61 on Tuesday night in women’s basketball action broadcast on KGOZ FM 101.7. 

HCC improved to 3-0 with its most impressive victory of the early season, knocking off the nation’s 12th ranked team after weekend victories over St. Louis CC (116-15 on Saturday) and Central (NE) Community College (81-35 on Friday).  Sophomore center Cameron McNamara provided the interior punch for Highland, leading all scorers with 24 points.  Returning sophomore Jalasia Hull had 12 points.

Here is NCMC head women’s basketball coach Jenni Croy: 

NCMC put Highland in the double bonus midway through the first quarter, committing a total of 9 fouls in the first 10 minutes, with Highland, in the first half as whole, hitting 14 of 16 free throws, contributing to a 36-27 edge. 

While the Lady Pirates had a number of runs in the second half to surge toward the lead, Highland held on.  A three-point field goal by NCMC’s Jessica Reeter with nine seconds remaining cut the lead to 62-61.  However, NCMC failed to get a quick foul on the ensuing possession, with a Highland lay-up sending the score to 64-61.  A Reeter three-point attempt from just under 30 feet at the buzzer hit the left side of the rim before bouncing away to set the final result. 

Gladys Brown began her sophomore campaign with a superb 19 point contest for the Lady Pirates, with Reeter adding 11 points, Abbi Fountain nine points, and Jacie Morris eight. 

Although the on-the-court result was disappointing for the Lady Pirates, there was good news on the recruiting trail in recent days, as Chillicothe High School senior Liz Oliver signed a national letter of intent to play at North Central Missouri College beginning in 2025.