Nov. 5, 2007

By Anthony Arroyo

Journal-Advocate sports reporter

CASPER -- The Northeastern Junior College Plainswomen basketball team picked up two wins, including an overtime thriller to begin the season with a 2-0 mark. NJC began by playing tough against North Idaho, earning a 76-69 victory in that contest. The next day, Northeastern hammered Little Big Horn 89-32.

Against N. Idaho, the team held on to a 32-30 lead before matters was tied at 59-59, sending the game into overtime. From there, NJC would outscore their opponent 17-10 for the victory.

Sophomore Jennifer Garner had a great opening performance with 22 points on 8-10 shooting, including one three-pointer. Stacey Howard had a double-double, going for 19 points and 11 rebounds while also adding three blocks Sarah Conner added 13 points to balance the offensive attack and included a game-high six assists. The next day, the team got an easier opponent, which allowed everyone on the roster to play. There were 14 players that scored at least two points against Little Big Horn.

NJC jumped out to a 47-19 lead at halftime and only allowed their opponent to score 13 points in the second half, forcing them to 42 turnovers on the day. Northeastern was nearly perfect from the free throw line, shooting 23-24. Kristen Forbes led the way this time with a solid 11 points. Jacqie Neill and Garner each had 10 points as the three women in double-figures for the Plainswomen.

Freshman Kassie Kroeger from Haxtun had nine points and five rebounds in 12 minutes. Conner had eight points and also had four of her team's 21 steals in the game. NJC will play home for the first time this season in a game that counts on Tuesday, Nov. 6. A much improved Air Force Prep enters the Bank of Colorado Center for a 6 p.m. match-up.