El Dora –do, KS
Winfrey Leads Neosho with 16 Points; Panthers Show Defensive Energy and Third-Quarter Fight
EL DORADO, Kan. – The Neosho County Community College Women’s Basketball team opened its 2026–27 season on October 26 against the Butler Community College Grizzlies, falling 69–49 at the Power Plant. Despite the final score, the Panthers showed flashes of their trademark defensive intensity, offensive potential, and the relentless mentality that defines The Neosho Way.
Neosho wasted little time making its presence felt, jumping out to an early 6–0 lead behind an aggressive defensive effort and strong play from sophomore Sophia Mireles. Mireles scored the Panthers’ first four points before Dagmara Kacprazak added a basket to extend the early advantage.
Butler answered with a run of its own, eventually taking a 14–11 lead at the end of the opening quarter.
The Grizzlies gained momentum in the second quarter, outscoring Neosho 23–10 to take a 37–21 advantage into halftime. Offensive struggles and turnovers made it hard for the Panthers to find a consistent rhythm, but the team kept competing on both ends of the floor.
Neosho’s strongest offensive stretch came in the third quarter, when the Panthers outscored Butler 18–14. Sophomore Laynie Winfrey sparked the offense, scoring 11 of her team-high 16 points in the period, including two three-pointers. Neosho shot 40 percent from beyond the arc during the quarter, showing its ability to generate offense when shots began to fall.
Butler maintained control in the final period, outscoring the Panthers 18–10 to secure the victory.
Laynie Winfrey led Neosho with 16 points, connecting on three shots from beyond the arc while adding three rebounds.
Sophia Mireles delivered an impressive all-around performance, finishing with 10 points, six rebounds, six steals, and two assists. Her defensive activity helped set the tone for the Panthers’ pressure-oriented style of play.
Dagmara Kacprazak contributed nine points, including a three-pointer, while providing another offensive option for Neosho.
Ta’Neah Jones made her presence felt defensively, pulling down a team-high nine rebounds and recording four blocked shots.
Maggie Vinson added five rebounds, while Jessica Houston contributed a blocked shot and a steal.
While the Panthers struggled offensively, their defense showed encouraging signs. Neosho recorded 16 steals and five blocked shots, forcing Butler into 27 turnovers and converting those opportunities into 21 points.
The Panthers also collected 17 offensive rebounds, generating 12 second-chance points.
However, shooting consistency proved to be a challenge. Neosho finished at 26.8 percent from the field and 19.4 percent from three-point range, while committing 31 turnovers.
Butler capitalized on those opportunities, scoring 50 points in the paint and shooting 45.9 percent from the field.
For Head Coach JJ Davis and the Panthers, the season opener provided an opportunity to evaluate a roster that will continue developing its chemistry, execution, and consistency as the season progresses.
The defensive activity, early-game energy, and third-quarter response offered glimpses of what this group can become. The next step will be turning those moments into a complete 40-minute performance.
One game does not define a season. It reveals where the work begins.
The Panthers will look to build on the positives, learn from the challenges, and continue embracing the standards that have become synonymous with Neosho County Women’s Basketball.
The standard doesn’t change. The work continues.
The Panthers will hit the road Monday, Nov. 2, as they travel to Hutchinson, Ks to take on the #11 Dragons.
SERVE. HONOR. COMPETE. NOW.
#TheNeoshoWay #94FeetOfChaos
