Ellsworth, IA– Neosho County women’s basketball earned its first win of the season Friday, rolling past Southwestern Community College, 111–61, at the Ellsworth DH Classic in Iowa.
The Panthers combined a fast offensive start with relentless defensive pressure, forcing 29 turnovers and collecting 23 steals. Neosho converted those turnovers into 34 points while finishing with just nine turnovers of its own.
Neosho jumped out to a 31–14 lead after the opening quarter, knocking down six three-pointers. Maggie Vinson scored 10 points in the period, and Sophia Mireles added nine to help the Panthers take control early. Neosho continued its offensive push in the second quarter, carrying a 61–37 advantage into halftime.
The Panthers widened the gap with a 28-point third quarter before limiting Southwestern to eight points in the fourth to close out the 50-point victory.
Vinson led Neosho with 16 points on 6-of-7 shooting, including a perfect 2-for-2 effort from three-point range, and added five rebounds. Ta’Neah Jones delivered 14 points on 7-of-8 shooting, six rebounds, two blocks and two steals. Mireles finished with 11 points, four assists and four steals.
Shu’nydeya Whitehead and Janae Davis each contributed nine points, with Davis connecting on three three-pointers. Whitehead also collected five rebounds and four steals. Dagmara Kacprazak, Karina Ramos-Jurado and Gabrielle Ellis added eight points apiece as 15 Panthers reached the scoring column.
Neosho’s depth produced 75 bench points. The Panthers also controlled the glass, outrebounding Southwestern 49–28 and grabbing 24 offensive rebounds that helped generate 32 second-chance points. Neosho finished with 60 points in the paint and 14 three-pointers.
The Panthers will look to build on the victory when they face host Ellsworth Community College tomorrow, Saturday, November 7, at 2 p.m. to conclude their appearance in the Ellsworth DH Classic.
