Wolves run away from Eagles

By Jamie Wachter / Sports Editor
The Meridian Star

CLINTON — Every time Meridian Community College made a run, Copiah-Lincoln had an answer.

And after the Eagles pulled within two early in the second half, the Wolves just ran away in the NJCAA Region 23 women's tournament championship, winning 89-54. Co-Lin (25-2) advances to the national tournament in Salina, Kan.

“We weren't scared of them,” MCC coach Hilary Allen said as his Eagles finish 27-6. “We didn't think they were that much better than us, if they are better than us at all. We definitely don't think they are 30 points better than us like that scoreboard showed.

“Give them credit, they made championship plays.”

The Wolves jumped out to an 11-2 lead and used that distance to stave off MCC runs throughout the first half. Co-Lin, which led 30-28 at halftime, then went on an 8-0 run to open the second half. However, MCC followed that with a 10-2 run of its own to keep it 40-38 with 14:50 left. Sophomore point guard Bianca Powell scored five of her 15 in that run as she had 11 second-half points.

“We will miss Bianca, she's been the glue of our team,” Allen said.

Co-Lin, though, then delivered the knockout blow. Scoring the next 12 points, the Wolves sparked a 35-7 run over the course of 11 minutes. Scoreless in the first half, Ann Shelby Davis poured in 17 after the break, including three 3-pointers. She was one of four Wolves in double figures as Kiara Etienne had 17 as well, and Brandi Simmons scored 15 points and pulled down 10 rebounds. Sedreka Plummer scored 12 and grabbed eight rebounds as well as having five blocks. Etienne also added nine rebounds and six assists.

While Co-Lin pulled away late, MCC hung close for a half behind the strength of freshman forward Chasity Kearney. Finishing with 18 points and 15 rebounds, Kearney had 16 and 14 before the break. She scored MCC's final eight points before the half.

“That's a lot of rebounds to get your hands on in one half, but that's the kind of player she is,” Allen said. “She never gives up.”

While Kearney was starring, fellow freshman star Norianna Haynes struggled to find her shot. The former Northeast Lauderdale standout, scored just five points, making only two shots.

“She just couldn't buy a basket,” Allen added. “She forced a few shots late, but that was just her trying to be a leader out there and trying to make a play.

“She forced a couple, but had they fell in, it's still a close game and who knows what happens.”

Arnissa Galloway, also a freshman, scored nine and had eight rebounds for MCC.