STERLING, Kan. (SCWarriors.com) – Sterling College Warriors, led by head coach K.C. Bassett, are gearing up for a challenging showdown against the Bethel University Wildcats (Tenn.) on March 14 at 5:30 p.m. This game marks the first round of the NAIA Women’s Basketball Championships, to be held in McKenzie, Tenn.
The Warriors, who currently hold a 21-10 record, earned the #16 seed out of the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference. Sterling punched their ticket to the big dance with a 86-76 overtime win in the KCAC tournament championship game against Friends University.
Bethel (Tenn.) also earned their spot in the tournament with a victory in the championship game of the Mid-South Conference tournament over Campbellsville, 54-47. Under coach Chris Nelson the team boasts a 23-7 record to hold the #1 seed in the Cramer quadrant of the bracket.
Key players for the Wildcats include Micah Hart, the Mid-South Conference’s Freshman of the Year, who leads her team with an average of 17.6 points per game. Her sister, Madison Hart, follows closely with 16.2 points per game and leads in rebounds, averaging seven per game. Additionally, freshman Hallie Turner is noted for her exceptional assists, averaging just under four per game.
Sterling College counters with their own standout performers. KCAC Player of the Year, Korynn Clason leads the Lady Warriors with an impressive 22.2 points per game, while Alissa Heskamp provides solid support, averaging 13.5 points. Kali Briar leads the Lady Warriors in assists per game with just over three. On defense, Bailey Young leads in rebounds with nearly five per game and Heskamp tops the team in steals, averaging just over two per game.
The winner of this match-up will face the winner of #8 Benedictine and #9 LSU Alexandria on March 15 at 4 p.m.
“We are super excited for the opportunity to continue playing in the NAIA tournament,” head coach K.C. Bassett said. “We are hoping to carry over the momentum from the past month and the relentless support of Warrior Nation to make some noise in the madness of March.
Tickets will be available at the door, $10 for adults, $5 for students 18 and under.
Live stream is available for $5.95 HERE.
Be sure to check for news and updates on Sterling Warrior Athletics on Facebook (/SCWarriors), Twitter (@SterlingCSports), and Instagram (sterlingcsports), as well as the hashtag #SwordsUp. Watch the Warriors’ live home events on the Sterling College Sports Network.
