The No. 24 Kansas City Kansas Community College women's basketball team got two victories over Olive-Harvey College and John Wood Community College in the John Wood Classic in Quincy, Ill.
In their first game, KCKCC defeated Olive-Harvey College, 65-55, with a strong defensive effort that included 13 steals. The team converted 44.4% of their three-point attempts, establishing an advantage early in the second half. The Panthers struggled from the free-throw line, hitting only 40% of their attempts, contributing to their deficit.
Amiyah Fulton posted 12 points and recorded eight assists, adding three steals to her performance. Yaslyn Gonzales led the scoring with 19 points, converting all six of her free throws and making three 3-pointers. Kylee West collected six rebounds and tallied five steals, while Sandra Hracka contributed with eight points, seven rebounds, and three blocks.
In their second game, the Blue Devils faced John Wood Community College and emerged victorious with a 67-52 score. The team built a commanding 20-point lead late in the fourth quarter and dominated the boards with 46 rebounds, including 23 offensive rebounds.
KCKCC took an early lead with a three-pointer from Gonzales, assisted by Fulton at 9:41. Despite a series of missed opportunities from both sides, the team maintained their advantage, extending their lead to 10-1 at the 4:01 mark. John Wood rallied late in the quarter to take an 11-10 lead. However, West's layup at the buzzer secured a 12-11 lead for KCKCC at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter saw KCKCC extend their lead significantly, outscoring the Blazers 21-14. Alana Webb contributed with key plays, including a layup at 9:35 and a three-pointer at 5:57, assisted by Gonzales. West's consistent scoring helped establish an eight-point lead at 31-23.
KCKCC continued to build on their lead in the third quarter, starting with a layup by Fulton at 9:13, assisted by Hracka. The momentum was kept alive by a jumper from West, increasing the score to 38-25. Although John Wood attempted to narrow the gap, the Blue Devils responded with a strong performance, closing the quarter leading 50-39.
The final quarter solidified KCKCC's victory as Kyara Bakker's contributions from the paint and free-throw line were crucial, while Gonzales facilitated multiple key assists. Despite John Wood's late attempts to rally, the game concluded with KCKCC securing a 67-52 victory.
West led the way in the second game with 21 points and 12 rebounds, along with four steals. Webb added 11 points and four steals, while Bakker posted seven points, nine rebounds, four assists, and three steals. Hracka scored 12 points and secured six rebounds, making five of her seven field goal attempts.
The next game for the Lady Blue Devils is against MCC at 5 p.m. Dec. 9 in Kansas City, Mo.