Story by NPCC Athletic Communications
Norfolk, Neb.– Neveah Golden recorded 16 points and nine rebounds to help North Platte earn the win over Northeast Community College, 60-45, on Saturday.
Golden’s 16 points came on 5-of-11 shooting from the field and 4-of-4 from the free throw line. Sophomore Kateria Gooden harnessed 10 rebounds to accompany her nine points, while Jada Thompson added nine points and three steals.
"We had a great defensive effort today against a solid, well-coached Northeast team," said head coach Jeff Thurman. "Extremely proud of our attention to detail on the defensive end and how we executed on the offensive end.”
A balanced offense helped North Platte hold the Hawks to just three points in the opening ten minutes. A jumper from Thompson triggered a 16-0 run that was broken up by a Clara Garrote free throw with 29 seconds remaining.
Northeast settled into their offensive rhythm early in the second quarter, as they cut the margin to 10 with 5:56 to play. A three from Thompson triggered a 7-0 spurt to push the Knights lead to 30-13. Northeast held the Knights to just three more points over the final 2:01, but North Platte still held a commanding 33-18 lead at the break.
The Knights maintained their double-digit lead throughout the final twenty minutes, as the Hawks could only manage to trim the deficit to 13.
A late run midway through the fourth quarter gave the Knights their largest lead of the game on a layup by EmmaJo Locks, 57-34. Northeast responded by narrowing the deficit to 15 at the end of regulation.
North Platte (14-10) will host McCook Community College on Tuesday. Tip is scheduled for 5 p.m. inside the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium.