Ellsworth, IA- The Neosho County Community College women’s basketball team held off a late Ellsworth rally Saturday, earning an 85–83 win to finish 2–0 at the Ellsworth Classic in Iowa. The Panthers’ second straight victory followed Friday’s win over Southwestern Community College.
Neosho knocked down five 3-pointers in the opening quarter but was tied 25–25 after one. The Panthers took a 47–46 lead into halftime, then outscored Ellsworth 22–16 in the third quarter to carry a 69–62 advantage into the fourth.
Ellsworth cut the lead to one with 36 seconds remaining and had a chance to go ahead in the final seconds. Ta’Neah Jones blocked a layup attempt with eight seconds left to preserve Neosho’s lead, and Avery Valentine added a late free throw to make it 85–83.
Karina Ramos-Jurado led Neosho with 14 points and three 3-pointers. Valentine scored 13 points and went 9-for-10 at the free-throw line, while Laynie Winfrey added 11 points and three 3-pointers. The Panthers got 50 points from their bench, hit 10 threes, and outrebounded Ellsworth 43–29. Shu’nydeya Whitehead and Jersi Jersi Benisch shared the team lead with seven rebounds apiece.
Neosho returns home on Tuesday, Nov. 10, when the Panthers host the Independence Pirates. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m.
