Story by NPCC Athletic Communications
Cedar Rapids, Iowa – Mariah Gardner led the Knights with 13 points, but it was not enough to upset No. 2 Kirkwood Community College, 75-53, in the North Central A District Championship on Saturday.
Kirkwood came out strong as they pushed their advantage to 19 points twice in the opening quarter. North Platte responded by shutting down the Eagles offense in the second quarter, as a 7-0 run cut the margin to 27-18 on a jumper by Nevaeh Golden.
Kirkwood pushed their lead back into double digits, but the Knights never let up down the stretch. Back-to-back three pointers by Gardner aided in an 8-0 run to cut the deficit to 32-28 at the halftime break.
North Platte knotted the game up in the opening minute of the third, but a 12-0 run helped the Eagles regain a double-digit lead. Kirkwood continued to stretch their lead in the fourth quarter, as another long run helped the Eagles close out the win.
As a team, the Knights shot 30.3 percent (20-66) from the field, while connecting on 7-of-22 (.318) from long range. Kirkwood won the rebounding battle, 48-26, but North Platte forced 16 Kirkwood turnovers.
North Platte concludes the season with an 18-12 record, while claiming their third Region IX title in the past four seasons.