WNCC women easily defeat Lamar Community College

Emma Beddome knew that Western Nebraska Community College's game against Lamar Community College on Saturday was a perfect chance for the Cougars to tune up for a big contest Tuesday against Casper College.

As it turned out, WNCC couldn't have asked for a much better performance, as Beddome and her teammates executed their game plan well while posting an 89-37 win.

"Actually, this game wasn't too bad," said the 6-foot Beddome, a sophomore from Melbourne, Australia. "We thought it was going to be a lot slower pace than what it was. Lamar came out and actually pushed the ball, which is good because we like to have a fast-paced game rather than a slow-paced game."

The Cougars dominated from start to finish in posting their 21st victory of the season. Beddome led all scorers with 15 points. She also dished out six assists and was a perfect 4-for-4 from the free-throw line.

WNCC dished out 19 assists as a team and placed six players in double-figure scoring.

"In games like these, we just like to get the ball around so everyone can contribute to the game," Beddome said. "They weren't very tall, so we felt we could get it in every single time. That is what we did."

WNCC pounded the ball inside with authority. Post player Tawny Drexler finished the night with a double-double, collecting 14 points and 10 rebounds. Drexler even sizzled from the free-throw line, nailing 6 of 8.

Also collecting double digit scoring were Alison Cheney with 12 points and SeLina Ysac, Carly Glisan and Jenna Colwell with 10 points each.

The story of the day, though, was WNCC's pressure defense.

"When we start out in a full-court defense, we do really well," she said. "If we start in a half-court defense, we seem to have our troubles. So, it was good that we started out in full court."

WNCC led just 5-3 before the Cougars went on a 19-0 run to lead 24-3. Lamar's Alicia Smith stopped the run with just over 13 minutes left in the first half with a bucket.

WNCC, however, continued to stay in control and went up 44-18 at halftime. The Cougars opened the second half with a 14-0 run, capped by a Beddome bucket. At that point, it was 58-18 with 14:30 to play.

WNCC will look to keep its momentum going strong when it travels to Casper on Tuesday night. Beddome said the Cougars need to get focused for a team that defeated Northeastern Junior College 55-54 on Friday.

"They will be pumped to come out to play us. It will be a tough game. Casper is a tough place to play, especially with their crowd. We just need to focus and come out strong."
The men's basketball game that was originally scheduled for Saturday against North Platte Community College was moved to Monday, Feb. 18.

Lamar (2-21) 18 19 - 37
WNCC (21-4) 44 45 -89
LAMAR COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Kathryn Clouser 6, Enid Sanchez 3, Christina Belone 2, Chelsea Choate 2, Donni Smith 3, Sarah Beshears 4, Alicia Smith 12, Artra Griffin 5.
WESTERN NEBRASKA C.C.
Dana Iverson 4, Emma Beddome 15, Michelle Lighthall 5, SeLina Ysac 10, Shaquilah Davis 7, Alison Cheney 12, Tawny Drexler 14, Jenna Colwell 10, Eli Cosme-Gonzalez 2, Carly Gliasn 10.