Parsons, Ks – Neosho County Community College officially put their stamp on conference play Tuesday night, earning their first conference win of the season with a commanding 81–69 victory over Labette Community College in Parsons, Kansas.
From the opening tip, the Panthers set the tone and never let it go.
Neosho exploded out of the gate, jumping to a 21–8 first-quarter lead, forcing Labette to play catch-up the rest of the night. That early surge proved to be the difference, as the Panthers controlled the tempo and stayed aggressive through all four quarters, closing the door with a strong 24-point fourth quarter.
Sophia Mireles delivered a monster performance, pouring in 24 points while knocking down five three-pointers and grabbing seven rebounds to lead all scorers. Her confidence beyond the arc stretched Labette’s defense and kept momentum firmly on Neosho’s side.
Chloe Parker added 10 points and six rebounds, while Kaozong Yang provided a spark off the bench with 9 points, including two huge three-pointers that helped keep Neosho in control.
Laynie Winfrey was steady in every area, finishing with seven points, six rebounds, and four assists, and Lelani Carter chipped in seven points of her own.
Neosho’s physicality was a major factor in the win, as the Panthers out-rebounded Labette 56–60, winning key second-chance opportunities and controlling the paint. Ta’Neah Jones and Jaida Harris both battled on the glass, each pulling down six rebounds, helping Neosho maintain possession and dictate the pace.
This wasn’t just a scoring night; it was a full-team effort. Desiree Williams , Bauke Graulus, Azura Clark, Dagmara Kacprazak, and Divine Brown contributed meaningful minutes, defensive pressure, and hustle plays that don’t always show up in the box score but made a huge difference on the floor.
The Panthers will be at home Saturday, January 17, as they host the Fort Scott Greyhounds. Tip-Off set for 1 PM
