Feb. 18, 2008

By Anthony Arroyo Journal-Advocate sports reporter

STERLING -- The Plainswomen of Northeastern Junior College needed a win by more than two points against Otero Junior College to be crowned the South- Sub Regional Champs for the second time under head coach Darrel Parker.

Not only did NJC pull out the 78-60 victory on its home floor, the team redeemed itself from the earlier loss from Otero, in which the Plainswomen just didn't shoot very well.

They also accomplished the feat in front of a packed Jackson/Edwards Arena, due in part to Hoops Homecoming.

Northeastern is now 23-5 on the season, with two games remaining on the regular season schedule.

NJC got off to a great start, getting baskets from everywhere. The Plainswomen finished with eight players who scored at least five points Saturday night.

The women had a 21-16 lead midway through the first half and ran off a 7-2 run to extend the lead to 10 points, capped off on a three by freshman Kristy Henderson, who finished with eight points off the bench.

The 10-point advantage would remain the same at the end of the half, thanks to a great hustle play by sophomore Sarah Conner to keep the ball alive. The play would eventually lead to a basket by freshman Stacey Howard at the buzzer.

NJC led 36-26 at half-time.

The offense would only get better for the home team, as NJC shot 40 percent in the second half, while also attempting 25 free throws in the second half alone.

Otero would cut the lead to as much as six points before a basket by Howard sparked a run that saw NJC eventually take an 11-point lead with eight minutes remaining in the contest. Northeastern would close out strong, earning the 18-point victory.

In the game, NJC was 27-40 from the charity stripe, making eight more free throws than its opponent. The Plainswomen also forced 20 turnovers, which translated into 24 points.

Conner finished with 10 points, five assists, four rebounds and four steals Saturday. Freshman Jessica Priest added nine, while fellow freshman Jacqie Neill added seven points in the win.

The night would belong to Howard, as she posted a double-double of 28 points and 10 rebounds. Stacy finished the game 12-16 at the free-throw line as well.

NJC travels to Scottsbluff, Neb., to face Western Nebraska on Wednesday, Feb. 20, and wraps the season when the Plainswomen travel to McCook Community College Friday, Feb. 22.

The Region IX Tournament will be played March 1 to 4 in Montana, which is the home of North-Sub Region winners Miles City.