Region IX tournament kicks off today at Cougar Palace

Bridgeport’s Chance Wallesen has played on the Cougar Palace floor for the past six years either through high school or college basketball.

Beginning today, the sophomore guard will be playing his last games in front of the local fans as Western Nebraska Community College gets set to host the men’s Region IX men’s basketball tournament today through Wednesday.

For Wallesen he is hoping to lead his Cougars as deep into the tournament as possible. The Cougars tip off the tournament tonight at 8 p.m. against Otero Junior College.

Earlier action today will see Eastern Wyoming College opening the tournament against Sheridan College at 1 p.m., followed by Casper College meeting Dawson Community College at 3 p.m. and No. 4 Northeastern Junior College meeting McCook Community College at 6 p.m.

“We have been looking forward to the regional tournament since day one,” Wallesen said. “One of our goals was to host it and we accomplished that. Now we have to go to work. We know what we have to do and we are ready to go.

“We are playing a lot better then we were about 10 games ago. We were in a slump where we lost four out of five. We turned it around big time. We will miss Ricardo [De Bem], but we have been doing well in practice.”

De Bem has been shelved with a serious ankle sprain suffered in the Northeastern Junior College game Feb. 20. Since then, the Texas Tech recruit has been sidelined with crutches and a walking-boot.

But, the Cougars will ready today when they face off against an Otero squad that limps into the regional tournament with a 7-22 record. The Cougars have already defeated the Rattlers twice this season, 105-84 in January and then 89-81 last Friday.

Wallesen said that game last Friday showed to the Cougars what they need to win the regional tournament – play a full 40 minutes.

“The game at Otero was a big surprise [with the way we played with Ricardo De Bem],” Wallesen said. “We went down there and played good for 30 or 35 minutes. We didn’t finish up real well, but we won. We know we can win without him. We will be O.K.”

In fact, the Cougars held a 42-29 lead at halftime while putting four players in double figures, led by Keron McKenzie’s 19 points.

Wallesen said team work is what it is going to take to be successful at the regional tournament.

“We are playing as a team right now,” he said. “It is a team game now and who plays the best team ball and who executes down the stretch will win. It might come down to a free throw in some games, or a possession where we need a shot to score, or a rebound. It is a team thing and it has always been that way, but now you have to execute well.”

The Cougars have been playing some of their best ball winning four of their last five games. The team avenged earlier losses against Casper and Eastern Wyoming by downing their former sub-region foes 73-62 and 76-74. They also knocked off North Platte Community College 65-57 and Otero. Their only setback in the last three weeks was a 79-71 defeat to Northeastern Junior College.

For the Cougars to win the regional tournament, the road will go through NJC, the No. 4 team in the nation. The Plainsmen open today against McCook Community College at 6 p.m. Wallesen said that the team knows NJC could be waiting the Cougars in the semi-finals, if they win today and then Monday, but they are not looking that far ahead. What matters most is taking one game at a time knowing that one loss in this single elimination tournament and your season is finished.

“We are not looking ahead, but coach talks about it a lot and we practice their offense against some of our defense,” Wallesen said. “It is the back of our heads to play them again, but we are not overlooking the two games before that.”

What’s also in the back of Wallesen’s head is finishing off his playing career on a good note for the western Nebraska fans. Wallesen, who played at WNCC for four years for Brideport during the Western Trails Conference tournament, has had a lot of great memories on this court.

“There has been a lot of memories on this court from the first year red-shirting [2002004-05] to now. It has been a blast and it seemed like it went so fast,” he said. “I just was to play as many games as I can and hopefully it can be four more games and we can play the regional final on this court too. I am looking forward to it. I had a great time.”

The one thing that Wallesen will do for sure is leave everything he has on the court. In fact, Wallesen has left many dents in the sideline tables and bleachers during the past year with his diving, leaping and hustling after loose balls.

“That has been something I have always did since my freshman year in high school where my coach told us to go and get balls no matter what,” he said. “I just picked up on it and have done it ever since. It might not be the smartest thing at times, but I have gotten about half of them I have dove for.

“I spent half of my time on the floor picking up loose balls and getting that rebound,” he said. “You know I am not the greatest athlete out there, but my hard work pays off and that is what the coach sees.”

Since his three years at WNCC, Wallesen has greatly improved his game and will be looking to take it to the next level someplace.

“I have improved tremendously. From day one, Jungers brought us in and especially me and told me that I have improved a great deal. I got a lot quicker and a lot better feel for the game. I am more smarter I think.”

Wallesen is going to do his best to play as many more games on Cougar Palace as possible before he hangs up his career in western Nebraska.

“I want to play somewhere and coach will get me somewhere I know for sure. Right now I am waiting for the tournament to start. I am focused on that,” he said. “We are hoping to play four games and give Western Nebraska the credit they deserve and go out winning.”

Other first round match-ups in the Men’s Region IX tournament

Today, 1 p.m.

Sheridan College vs. Eastern Wyoming

The Sheridan College Generals enter the tournament with a 26-3 record and a 10-game win streak. The Lancers enter the game on the opposite end, dropping their final three games. EWC enters the game with a 14-16 record.

Anything is possible at regionals and the Lancers know that. Sheridan already dropped Eastern twice this season 79-58 and 92-78. In both games Brendan Puckett, EWC’s leading scorer, erupted for 18 and 21 points. On the flipside, the Generals Watson has scored 23 points in each contest. The Generals are led by Dorian Watson, who is averaging 17 points a game.

Sheridan comes into the contest with the top offensive team in Region IX, scoring at a clip of 91.9 points a game. Eastern, though, has a fierce defense giving up 69.3 points a game, which is sixth in Region IX – three spots ahead of Sheridan’s 74.4 defensive average. The Lancers are le dby several players that can score and bring electricity to the gym. Puckett is the team’s top player averaging 12.5 points a game, including already making 77 3-pointers. Also, Stephen Baker is shooting 45 percent from the 3-point area, while Josh Davis is connecting on 79 percent of his free throws.

The winner of this game faces the winner of the North Platte and Trinidad State winner Monday at 1 p.m.

Today, 3 p.m

Casper College vs. Dawson C.C.

This match-up will feature two teams with almost identical records and offensive scoring teams. Casper College enters after winning the central sub-region record. The T-Birds are 17-13 on the season. Dawson enters the contest at 13-11 and brings in the third best offensive team in the region. The Bucs are averaging 84.5 points a game.

While Dawson can score points, they also give up 81 points a game, which is near last in the region. That could prove dangerous against a Casper team that has proven they can score. The T-Birds are led by freshman Josh Davis at 15.9 points a game and sophomores DeMarcus Richard and Scott Nelson at 11.4 and 10.8 points a game.

Dawson, though, also have some scoring threats, led by freshman Josh Walker at 12.1 points a game. Freshmen Chevaz Givens and Traellis Gregg are averaging 11 points a game.

The winner faces the winner of the Lamar and Northeast Nebraska game Monday at 3 p.m

Today, 6 p.m.

Northeastern Colorado vs. McCook C.C.

Northeastern Junior College enters the tournament as the team to beat with a 27-1 record and a No. 4 ranking in the last regular season NJCAA polls. The Plainsmen have won their last 19 games and feature the second best scoring team in Region IX (87.3 points) and the third best defensive team (65.7).

During the Plainsmen’s 19-game win streak, they have defeated all but three of their opponents by double digits. The only teams to stay within the double-digit margin were Casper (78-71), Trinidad (78-70) and Western Nebraska (78-71).

NJC has four players averaging in double figures, led by sophomores Rashad Austin and Shane Edwards at 13.5 and 12.4 points a game. Also hitting double digits are sophomore LaTravis Turner (11.6) and freshman Mike Dominguez (10.0).

McCook enters the tournament on a little bit of a high, winning their last two games and a 14-16 record. The Indians upended Southeast Nebraska 80-77 and then handed Lamar their sixth defeat of the year 75-66.

McCook features the fourth best defensive team in Region IX giving up 68 points a game. Offensively, McCook is led by Trey Harris at 11.7 points a game. Harris is also shooting 43 percent from the 3-point line.

The winner faces the Laramie County and Miles City winner Monday at 6 p.m.

Today, 8 p.m.

Western Nebraska vs. Otero J.C.

The Cougars, 12-16 and winners of four of their last five gamed, take on Otero Junior College, who is 7-22 and losers of their last five games.

The Cougars feature the fifth best scoring offense in Region IX averaging 80.7 points a game. WNCC also have four players averaging double-figures. Ricardo De Bem is averaging 16.8 points a game followed by CJ Hampton at 14 points, Erik Smith at 12 points and Matthew Akins at 10.3 points.

Otero, though, has lost some heartbreakers during their current losing skid, including an 83-77 loss to Lamar and a 87-81 loss to Trinidad State. The rattlers are led by Tomaul Hawkins’ 21.1 points.

The winner will face either Northwest Wyoming or Western Wyoming Monday at 6 p.m.

Sunday, 1 p.m.

North Platte vs. Trinidad State

This will be a battle of two fairly even teams. North Platte enters the tournament with a 20-8 record including winners of eight of their last 11 games. The Knights bring in the fourth best defensive team in the region, giving up 66 points a game. The Knights are led by by Danny Tucker, who is averaging 14.8 points a game. Also scoring double figures is Nathan Wilson at 11.3 points and Joseph Odugbela at 11 points.

Trinidad State enters the contest on a roll as well with a 17-13 record and winners of three of their last four games. The Trojans have been led Zach Smith, who has been Trinidad’s leading scorer in 18 of their 30 games. Smith is averaging 16.6 points and 9.7 rebounds a game. Trinidad also is getting solid play from Joe Fisher, who is averaging 13.8 points a game.

The winner faces the Sheridan/Eastern Wyoming winner Monday at 1 p.m.

Sunday, 3 p.m.

Lamar C.C. vs. Northeast Nebraska

Lamar Community College enters the regional stinging from a late season loss to McCook Community College and Trinidad State. The Runnin’ Lopes enter with a 23-6 record and before those two end-of-the-season losses, the Lopes have been one of the hottest teams. Lamar is averaging 72.8 points a game, 12^th in Region IX, but boast the second best defensive team at 64.6 points.

The Runnin’ Lopes are led by sophomore Brandon Johnson at 17.1 points. Mike Bogar has also came up big for the Lopes pulling down 6.2 rebounds a game. Delvin Franklin is averaging 12.4 points a game and shooting 48 percent from the 3-point line.

Northeast Nebraska enters with a 7-22 mark. The Hawks are last in scoring offense at 65.9 points a game, but a lot better on the defense, ranked 11^th giving up 75.8 points a game. The Hawks are led by Ken Moore at 12.3 points, Robert Progue at 11.2 points and Oneil Mangal at 10.6 points. Arsenio Carter is also pulling down 6.6 rebounds a game.

The winner faces either Casper or Dawson Monday a 3 p.m.

Sunday, 6 p.m.

Laramie County vs. Miles City

Again, this pits two fairly even ball clubs. Miles City enters the tournament with a 17-13 record and winners of their last three games. The Pioneers are averaging 79.1 points on offense and giving up 74.2 points on defense, both 7^th in Region IX. The Pioneers are led by Jake Rios, Greg Hire and Aaron Sutton who are averaging 16.4, 15.6 and 14.8 points a game. Miles City also has two of the top free throw shooters in the region in Rios and Kale Eike, both hitting over 81 percent of their shots.

Laramie County, on the other hand, counters with Ralph Woodson, who is one of the best players in Region IX. Woodson is averaging 18.6 points a game, 9.67 rebounds a game and is shooting a Region IX-leading 66.76 from the field. The Golden Eagles, who are 14-16 on the year, also get scoring from Donnell Lyons at 14.4 points, DeAngelo McIntosh at 13.8 points and Kierra Miller at 11.2 points.

The winner faces either NJC or McCook Monday at 6 p.m.

Sunday, 8 p.m.

Northwest Wyoming vs. Western Wyoming

The final first-round game could be a defensive slugfest between two teams that are strong defensively, or it could be an offensive showdown as both teams have scorers.. Northwest Wyoming, 20-10, is the top-ranked team in the region allowing just 62.4 points a game. The Trappers, though, are only scoring 72.5 points a game.

Northwest has some exciting athletes, including Milan Stanojevic, who is third in Region IX in scoring at 18.1 points a game. He is shooting 47 percent from the 3-point area. Northwest is also led by Nate Miller at 17.5 points (fourth in Region IX) an dBrett Sommerville at 10.9 points a game.

Western Wyoming enters the tournament with a 12-16 mark, but with a good defense allowing 76 points a game. The Spartans are also one of the top 3-point shooting teams in the region at 40 percent. The Mustangs are led by Cory Kaminska’s 12.4 points a game followed by Casey Robinson at 10.6 points. Auston Robinson also is a threat shooting 49 percent from 3-point area.

The winner faces either WNCC or Otero Monday at 8 p.m.

Baseball, softball home openers this weekend

The Western Nebraska Community College baseball and softball teams will have their home openers this weekend.

The Cougar baseball team will open the home slate of games today when they host Colby Community College in one 9-inning game beginning at 1 p.m., weather depending, at Cleveland Field. The two squads will then have a doubleheader on Sunday beginning at noon.

The softball team won’t open up their home campaign until Sunday with a tripleheader beginning at noon against Lamar Community College. The softball team plays their games at Volunteer Field located behind Cleveland Field.

The Cougar ladies’ first two games Sunday will count in Region IX standings. WNCC is currently 4-2 in regional play, while Lamar is 2-4. Otero is leading the conference with a 6-0 mark. WNCC is coming off a 2-2 effort last weekend, dropping two games at Otero before downing Air Force Academy.

The baseball team, on the other hand, will be looking to get healthy recordwise against Kansas competition. The Cougars are currently 1-7 on the year after playing Hutchinson Community College and Barton County Community College the last two weekends.

WNCC baseball coach Mike Jones is hoping his team starts to turn things around. “The key for us to come out with wins is how we play defensively,” Jones said. “We’ve had some good pitching performances and we have been able to put some runs on the board. The biggest problem of us as been our defense; we make quite a few mistakes and that seems to cost us quite a few runs. It is just important for us to play better as a defensive unit.”

Phillips Orta will get the nod on the mound in Sunday’s game with Jeff McDonald and Todd Stachura will get the starts on Sunday.

While the Cougars have found the wins hard to come by early on, they are hoping to turn their season around before heading into regional play next weekend against Lamar Community College.

“It is always nice to play at home. We will see how we come out and play,” Jones said. “I anticipate [today] being a tough day with the weather. We will fight a lot of conditions.”

WNCC has had a history of starting seasons slow and finishing strong, and Jones knows that this team will turnaround into a solid ball club. The biggest thing for the Cougars is inconsistencies.

“We played much better against Barton County then we had the previous weekend. We got a little bit more confidence. We played a much quicker game,” Jones said. “For us we just need to keep playing and we have to keep learning from our mistakes. We’ve made quite a few mistakes and we haven’t been able to work on them as much as we would like. We have been fighting a lot of weather conditions. As soon as things start to warm up for us and we are outside consistently, you will see a better team.”

After this weekend’s home games, the baseball team will travel to the Air Force Academy on Tuesday, while the softball team will travel to the Air Force Academy on March 11 before hosting Dawson Community College on March 15.

Softball team wins two on Sunday

The Western Nebraska Community College softball team quickly put the losses to Otero Junior College behind them Sunday as the Cougars defeated Air Force Academy in a doubleheader 4-2 and 6-5 in an extra-inning.

Both contests were nail-biters. In the opener, the Cougars struck for four first-inning runs and then cruised to the 4-2 win behind the four-hit pitching of Natasha Dypchey.

The second contest saw Jessie Ventoza go 4-for-4 from the plate and Jessie McNabb blast a 2-run, fifth-inning home run to propel WNCC to the sweep of Air Force.

“Defensively we played really strong, committing few errors,” freshman Lauren Mills said, who made some eye-popping defensive plays Sunday. “Offensively we struggled. We are usually very strong with our bats and we didn’t have them on the day.”

The Cougars, who had just four hits in the opening game, benefited from four straight walks followed a 2-RBI double by Lauren Bourdon to put the Cougars up 4-0. After that, the Cougar bats went silent registering just three hits over the next six innings.

WNCC didn’t need the bats in the first game, really, as Dypchey, the freshman pitcher from Canada, was mowing down the Air Force batters with seven strikeouts. Air Force managed lone runs in the first and seventh innings. Dypchey scattered four hits through the seven innings.

Bourdon continued her torrid hitting going 2-for-4 with two RBIs and a triple. Mills also provided some pop, going 1-for-2 with a double and an RBI. The other Cougar hit came off the bat of McNabb, who went 1-for-2 with two walks.

The nightcap was a barnburner. WNCC scored single runs in the first and second innings to grab a 2-0 lead and led 4-1 after four and a half innings off of McNabb’s 2-RBI inside-the-park home run.

McNabb said those runs proved beneficial as the freshman from Saskatchewan Canada motored around the bases for the inside the park home run on a 225-foot fence.

“It was a clutch home run and we needed to get some runs,” Mills said.

The Air Force Academy came back tying the contest in the bottom of the seventh on two hits and an error. WNCC bolted right back and struck for the winning run in the eighth inning. Dypchey led off the inning after being plucked by a pitch. Amanda Hensley then sacrificed before Amanda Torimaru singling in Dypchey with the go-ahead run.

Pexton picked up the win going all eight innings. The Douglas, Wyo., product scattered 13 hits, but only allowed five runs. She also struck out four and walked one.

Offensively, Ventoza went a perfect 4-for-4 with a double, three singles, a stolen and a run scored. Torimaru also was 2-for-5 with an RBI and the game-winning hit. McNabb, besides her home run, was 2-for-3 with a single, a walk and two runs scored.

Winning the game like they did gives the team confidence in close games. But, the players also realize that they need to play better then they did Sunday.”

“It allows us to learn never to give up until the game is over,” McNabb said. “It is good that we won [after the Otero losses on Friday] because it brought our record back even.”

The Cougars, 7-7, will be back in action Sunday when they open the home campaign against Lamar Community College in a triple-header beginning at 12 noon. McNabb said the team is looking forward to the home-opener at Volunteer Field, located behind Cleveland Field.

“It will be exciting to have all our fans [cheering us],” McNabb said. “We won twice against Lamar [two weeks ago] and we can beat that team. We just have to show up to play.”

First Game
WNCC 400 000 0 – 4 4 2
Air Force 100 000 1 – 2 4 0
WP – Dypchey; 2B – Bourdon.

Second Game
WNCC 110 021 01 – 6 13 4
Air Force 001 020 20 – 1 13 1
WP – Pexton, 2B – Ventoza; HR – McNabb.

Cougar softball, baseball shuffle weekend games

Western Nebraska Community College's Cougar softball and baseball teams had their games scheduled for this weekend shuffled around due to the forecasted winter weather.

The Cougar softball team was scheduled to play Otero Junior College Saturday at La Junta, Colo., but those games have been moved up to Friday beginning at noon. Their games Sunday against the Air Force Academy is still scheduled.

The baseball team's games at Barton County Community College for Saturday and Sunday have been moved to Monday and Tuesday to avoid the wintery mix that is due to hit Saturday.

Both teams will then be home for their home-openers the following weekend. The baseball team will open March 3 and 4 against Colby Community College, while the softball team will face Lamar Community College beginning at 12 noon in a triple-header.

Follow the Region IX Men's Tournament on the Internet

It is has been 10 years since WNCC has hosted the regional tournament you can follow all the action on the web off of regionix.wncc.net and then by clicking "men's basketball"

The page is started with lodging and eating locations and more information will be put up in the coming days.

So, let's start getting excited for us hosting the regional tournament.

WNCC women win 23rd game of season over NJC

The Western Nebraska Community College women’s basketball team used a stern second half defense, holding Northeastern Junior College to just 23 points in claiming a 69-54 win over the Plainswomen Tuesday night at Cougar Palace.

The Cougars not only clamped on the defense, they also received a solid performance from the bench outscoring the Plainswomen 29-7 in registering their 23^rd win of the season in the home finale.

“I thought for one of the first times this semester, we had balanced scoring tonight,” WNCC coach Dave Harnish said. “We had 10 or 11 kids that stepped up and played well tonight. We haven’t been getting kids that stepped up all night. I thought we did that tonight. I thought the energy was better and the effort was better. It was one of our better games in the last month.”

For much of the first half, though, the Plainswomen were controlling the tempo. NJC held a 27-19 lead with 3:51 to play on a Sarah Conner 3-pointer. After Conner’s trey, the momentum swung with the Cougars going on a 12-0 run behind a stern defensive behind the ball-hawking of Kiki Taylor and the shooting of freshman Chelsea Lyles.

Taylor started the run by recording a steal and bucket with 2:46 to play in the half. Taylor followed that with another steal and an assist to Lyles to swing the momentum. WNCC kept hammering away with the deficit as Tiara Scott hit a bucket on a Emma Beddome pass. Lyles came right back to drain a 3-pointer with 1:01 to left in the opening half for the Cougars first lead since early in the game.

Seconds later, Dana Iverson found Lyles for an open bucket inside the paint and she was fouled to boot. Lyles calmly hit the free throw to put WNCC up 31-27. NJC came back as Roni Whitman hit four free throws in the final seconds to tie the game at half at 31.

“We tried to man them the entire first half and then we went into more of a trapping zone defense right before halftime which got us back into it,” Harnish said. “I think we were down 27-19 and then switched defenses. Changing our defense was crucial. They are tough to man because they are guard oriented. With our size, and their quickness it gives us problem.”

Both teams traded buckets left and right at the start. Conner, a Guernsey-Sunrise graduate, nailed her second 3-pointer of the game to put the Plainswomen up 34-33. It didn’t last long as WNCC went on a 8-2 run to go up 41-36 with 12:30 to play.

NJC battled back to tied the game at 41 on a Kristen Forbes 3-pointer with 11:03 to play. Beddome quickly answered with a 3-pointer of her own, giving the Cougars the lead for good. Beddome’s trey started a 14-4 run that helped the Cougars mount a double-digit lead over the next four minutes on a Lesley Olson 3-pointer at 55-45.

NJC never cracked single digits the rest of the way as WNCC’s trapping zone defense was too much for the Plainswomen.

WNCC placed four players in double figures. Scott led the way with 12 points followed by 10 points each from Beddome, Lyles and Aurelle Derenoncourt. Beddome’s 10 points led the team off the bench.

“I think everybody stepped up [tonight] with Alison out,” Harnish said. “I thought Aurelle and Emma playing a lot of minutes was a key. We also hit a couple of threes there in the second half to open things up. The kids stepped up tonight and that is what you need to have.”

Jackie Davis paced NJC with 14 points followed by Whitman with 13 and Conner with 11.

WNCC will finish the regular season Friday at Otero Junior College before beginning the Region IX tournament in Casper with a first round game against McCook Community College on March 3.

NE Colorado (22-6) 31 23 – 54
WNCC (23-1) 31 38 – 69
NORTHEASTERN JUNIOR COLLEGE
Roni Whitman 13, Sarah Conner 11, Kristen Forbes 6, Daria Basova 9, Jackie Davis 14, Taija Bennet 1.

WESTERN NEBRASKA
Kiki Taylor 7, Dana Iverson 1, Emma Beddome 10, Tiara Scott 12, Lesley Olson 3, Aurelle Derenoncourt 10, Victoria Martin 6, Shiraya Soto 8, Chelsea Lyles 10, Carly Glisan 2.

No. 4 NJC escapes WNCC

The Western Nebraska Community College men’s basketball team put a little scare into Northeastern Junior College, the No. 4 team in the nation. In the end, the Plainsmen stayed strong, stopping Cougar rallies left and right, to earn a hard-fought 78-71 win Tuesday nigh at Cougar Palace.

“I thought our guys really played hard,” WNCC coach John Jungers said. “The first half we made mental mistakes and for the most part I can’t fault our effort. This is a lesson and it gives us an idea of what it will take to win a regional championship.”

Tuesday night’s contest was a big step for the Cougar men going against a powerhouse and athletic team like NJC, who improved to 26-1 and winners of 19-straight games. WNCC fought hard never giving up despite being down by 18 points at one time cutting the deficit to two points on a DaRon Kirkendoll 3-pointer with five minutes to play in the game.

"I love these kids. We have tremendous sophomore leadership. Matt Akins, Chance, Rick and CJ, they are the heart and soul of our team,” Jungers said. “I am proud of our guys. We just know we have to be better and we will.”

Tuesday night’s contest seemed as if the No. 4 team in the nation was going to run away with the contest a halftime. NJC took a 46-29 lead into the locker room nailing nine 3-pointers in the first half.

WNCC fought back behind a blistering shooting performance where the Cougars out-shot the Plainsmen 44 to 34 percent from the field in the second half, including nailing seven 3-pointers. The difference in the contest was free throw shooting, where NJC was 13 of 28 for the game, while WNCC was a measly 5 of 11.

The Cougars took control early in the second half. CJ Hampton was key for the Cougars nailing three 3-pointers early cutting the lead to 54-49 11.41 to play. NJC went on a mini-run to push the lead back to 12 points at 61-49.

WNCC didn’t get rattled as Beno Jaekel scored four straight points, including a dunk and then Matthew Akins connected on one free throw, followed by Carl Banks making four straight points, including a drive on the baseline for a bucket to slice the lead to 61-58.

NJC’s Shane Edwards came back to hammer home a dunk before Kirkendoll drilled a 3-pointer from the corner to cut the lead to two points, 63-61. WNCC couldn’t get any closer as NJC went on a 9-0 run to push the lead back to 11, 72-61.

Again, WNCC wasn’t phased by NJC’s lofty No. 4 ranking battling down to the bitter end as Hampton drained another 3-pointer with 1:07 to play to cut the lead to 74-66. Then, with 4.8 second to play, Chance Wallesen drilled a trey to cut the lead to six points, but it was a little to late.

Hampton led all scorers with 22 points, including six 3-pointers. Keron McKenzie and Ricardo De Bem also finished with double digits with 11 and 10 points.

NJC was led by Mike Dominguez with 20 points, followed by Omar Leary with 16, Shane Edwards with 13 and Troy Smith with 12.

WNCC will wrap up the regular season with a contest Friday at Otero Junior College before hosting the Region IX men’s tournament, which begins March 3 through the 7.

NJC (26-1) 46 32 – 78
WNCC (11-16) 29 42 – 71

NORTHEASTERN COLORADO
Achigbo Ameh 1, Omar Leary 16, Rashad Austin 7, LaTravis Turner 7, Troy Smith 12, Jarvis Jackson 2, Shane Edwards 13, Mike Dominguez 20.

WESTERN NEBRASKA
Keron McKenzie 11, Chance Wallesen 8, Beno Jaekel 4, Matthew Akins 5, Carl Buck 6, CJ Hampton 22, DaRon Kirkendoll 5, Ricardo De Bem 10.

WNCC, NJC basketball teams tangle Tuesday night at Cougar Palace

Western Nebraska Community College’s Lesley Olson will probably be a little teary-eyed after tonight’s home contest against Northeastern Junior College.

Olson, who has played on the Cougar Palace floor since her freshman year at Gering High School, will be playing her last competitive game on Ron Brillhart court. The Cougar women, ranked No. 9 in the nation with a 22-1 record, will be playing their final home game tonight at 5:30 p.m. with the men’s contest to follow against the No. 4-ranked NJC men.

“It is going to be emotional. I have played on this court all through high school and it has been special playing here,” Olson said. “I am just in shock that this is our last home game this season. It has gone by so fast. After this game we go to La Junta, Colo., and we have a week to get ready for regionals. We will have to practice hard in the next two weeks. We need to take it one game at a time.”

Tonight’s contest against the Plainswomen will not be easy. NJC is 22-5 on the season and have won nine straight games since their last defeat, a 77-63 setback to WNCC in January.

The Plainswomen’s closest game in the past night games as a 75-72 win over Otero Junior College. Other then that, NJC has been winning by or near double-digits, including a 76-62 win over Otero last weekend.

During that streak, the Plainswomen defeated Casper College 60-51, Sheridan College 95-71 and Northwest Wyoming 55-44.

NJC is paced by two players in the top 20 in Region IX scoring. Sophomore Daria Basova leads Region IX with an 18.8 scoring average and a 10.7 rebounding average. Freshman Sarah Conner, a Guernsey-Sunrise graduate, is averaging 11.2 points a game. Conner is also pulling down 6.7 rebounds, while getting 3.75 assists and 2.23 steals a game. She is also knocking home 34 percent of her 3-point shots.

While the Plainswomen are playing well, the Cougar women have struggled lately out of the block. Still, they have just one defeat on the season – a 58-53 setback to Casper. Saturday night the Cougars needed a 28-foot 3-pointer by Kiki Taylor to force overtime against Western Wyoming Community College before winning 79-74.

WNCC played the second half Saturday without starting guard Alison Chaney because of a foot injury. Her status for tonight’s contest is questionable.

The Cougar women, though, have won five straight games. But Olson said they will need to be on the top of their game against a talented NJC crew.

“We have to come out with enthusiasm and play like we know we can,” she said. “We haven’t been starting games very well so we just need to pick it up and get into the game.”

While the Cougar women will be playing their last home game, the Cougar men will still have home games left after their 65-57 win Saturday night over North Platte Community College that gave WNCC the right to host next month’s regional tournament.

And, for the Cougar men, they have been on a roll winning their last three contests over Casper College, Eastern Wyoming and North Platte. WNCC enters tonight’s game with a 11-15 mark (or 17-9 if one doesn’t count the forfeits earlier in the season).

WNCC will need to play well to topple Northeastern Junior College, the No. 4 team in the nation. The Plainsmen enter with a 25-1 record and winners of their last 18 games. NJC’s only setback came to Dodge City Community College 67-57 back in November. Since that loss, the majority of the Plainsmen’s wins have been by double-digits. NJC is averaging 89.3 points a game while giving up 66.2 points.

WNCC is not far behind the Plainsmen, averaging 81.6 points and giving up 77 points a game.

NJC has four players in the top 30 in scoring in Region IX. Shane Edwards leads the way at 13.5 points a game followed by Omar Leary at 13.4 points, Rashad Austin at 13 points and La Travis Turner at 11.5 points.

The Cougars are led by Ricardo De Bem’s 17.7 points a game followed by CJ Hampton at 13 points and Erik Smith at 12.4 points. All three of the Cougars are also in the top 30 in scoring.

After tonight’s contests, both the Cougar men and women will travel to La Junta, Colo., Friday to face Otero Junior College in the last regular season contest. The Cougar women will then compete in the Region IX tournament in Casper, Wyo., the first weekend of March. The WNCC women’s first-round opponent at regionals will be McCook.

The Cougar men be at home for the regional tournament starting March 3. WNCC’s first game at regionals will be Saturday, March 3 against the fourth seed from the south sub-region, either Otero Junior College.

Cougar softball team 4-0 in Region IX action

The WNCC softball team took a huge step in hosting the Region IX tournament by going 4-0 in Region IX action Saturday and Sunday. After sweeping Trinidad on Saturday, the Cougar women knocked off Lamar 6-2 and 10-1 in Region IX games. The two teams then matched up for a third game, which was a non-Region IX game, and fell 9-8.

In the first game, Natasha Dychey picked up the win by leading the team to the 6-2 win. Jessica Pexton took the win in the second contest. The big blows in the contest was back-to-back homeruns by Lauren Mills and Lauren Mills.

In the final game, the two teams were hooked up in a battle. WNCC led 7-5 before committing three errors in the bottom of the sixth inning. WNCC is now 5-5 on the season and will look to stay perfect in Region IX play next Saturday when they travel to Otero Junior College.

Cougar softball team sweeps Trinidad State

Western Nebraska Community College’s Lauren Bourdon missed hitting for the cycle by a single. Still, Bourdon and the rest of her Cougar softball team pounded out 34 hits in two games in sweeping a pair of Region IX games from Trinidad State Junior College Saturday in Pueblo, Colo., 12-4 and 15-7.

“We started out the games timid and we were down in each game,” WNCC coach Maria Winn-Ratliff said. “Then in the third inning we settled down. I am pleased with the wins.”

What pleased Winn-Ratliff the most was the way the team hit, recording 34 hits and scoring 27 runs. Freshman pitcher Natasha Dypchey also sparkled from the circle collecting both wins, while striking out a combined 13 batters in both games.

“Our bats came alive and we had run production all the way through,” she said. “Lauren Bourdon really shined today. She struck out in her first at bat [in the second game against Trinidad] and then had a double, triple and home run.”

Bourdon, though, was just one of the bright spots for the Cougars. In the first game, Jessica Ventoza, Jessica McNabb and Kara Ryman all pounded out two hits each in the 12-4 win.

Ryman finished with four RBIs, while McNabb had a triple. Bourdon, Amanda Hensley and Lauren Mills each had doubles in the game. The difference in game was Dypchey’s pitching, who struck out nine and walked just one batter in the opening game.

Trinidad led 4-1 before the Cougars scored five times in the fifth and sixth innings to forge ahead 11-4. Mills started the fifth with a double followed by walks to Ventoza and McNabb. Hensley then pounded a 2-run double. Ryman followed later with a 2-run scoring single followed by Bourdan’s run-scoring double.

The sixth inning saw the Cougars pound out four hits, all singles.

WNCC started slow in the second game, falling behind 6-0 after two innings. The Cougars came back, though, scoring six times in the third to tie the game on seven hits. The big blows were doubles by Ventoza and Bourdan, and a bit 2-run single by Ryman.

Trinidad came back and took a 7-6 lead after three with a single run in the bottom of the inning. WNCC re-sponded with a 8-spot in the top of the fourth on nine hits.
The fourth inning saw doubles by Amanda Torimaru, Ryman, McNabb and Hensley. Ryman and Hensley’s scored two runs. Bourdon added an extra punch in the inning, blasting a 2-run home run to put WNCC up 14-7.

WNCC added a single run in the fifth as Bourdon tripled and scored on a a Mills single. Bourdon and Hensley were 3-for-4, while Ryman was 2-for-4. Bourdon had four RBIs, while Hensley had three RBIs.

Dypchey picked up the win coming in relief of Jessica Pexton. Dypchey allowed three hits and struck out four in 3 1/3 innings.

WNCC, 3-4 overall and 2-0 in Region IX play, will be back in action today against Lamar Community College in a triple-header beginning at 11 a.m.

First Game
WNCC 001 055 1 — 12 13
Trinidad 103 000 0 — 4 8
WP — Dypchey; 2B — Bourdan, Hensley, Mills; 3B — McNabb.

Second Game
WNCC 006 81— 15 21
Trinidad 331 00 — 7 8
WP — Dypchey; 2B — Ventoza, Bourdon, Torimaru, Ryman, McNabb, Hensley; 3B — Bourdon; HR — Bourdon.

Cougar men down North Platte, will host regional tournament

The WNCC men's basketball team hasn't hosted a Region IX tournament since 1998. But that streak is now over after the Cougars benefited from a hot-shooting second half in registering a 65-57 victory over North Platte Community College Saturday.

The win gives the Cougars the East sub-region title and guarantees WNCC to righ to host next month's Region IX tournament. For WNCC coach John Jungers, whose team shot 60 percent from teh field in erupting for 45-second half points, the win proved extra sweet.

"I'm thrilled for our guys and it was a tremendous effort by these young men," Jungers said. "I'm very proud of them. This win was great for the community and its great for the college to have the regional tournament here in Scottsbluff."

WNCC's second-half shooting is what sparked the Cougars to victory. The Cougars made all five of their 3-pointers in the deciding half, while holding North Platte to 0-for-11 shooting from beyond the arc.

Three Cougar players finished in double figures. CJ Hampton tallied 16 points to the way followed by Erik Smith and Ricardo De Bem with 11 points each. North Platte was led by Danny Tucker with 16 and Nathan Wilson with 11.

WNCC women escape Western Wyoming in OT

Kiki Taylor's 3-pointer with less than a second to play in regulation helped spark the Western Nebraska Community College women's basketball team to a 79-75 overtime victory over Western Wyoming Community College Saturday evening.

Taylor's heroics helped the Cougars tie the contest at 67-67 at the end of regulation after WNCC trailed by as many as 14 in the second half. In the overtime period, WNCC took its first lead of the game with about a minute and a half to play before nailing down enough free throws down the stretch to preserve the win.

WNCC flexed its muscles defensively by holding Western Wyoming to without a field goal in the overtime period. "Defensively, we really stepped it up late in the second half and in overtime," WNCC assistant coach Jennifer Pedersen said. "We hit a couple big shots and we rebounded a lot better."

Tiara Scott paced WNCC in scoring in the game with 18 points. Scott was a perfect 10-for-10 from the free-throw line. Taylor added 11 points for the Cougars and Chelsea Lyles tallied 10.

Dana Iverson canned two 3-pointers in finishing with nine points and also pulled down a team-high six rebounds. Defensively, Lyles totaled four steals and Taylor added three.

WNCC, now 22-1 on the season, hosts Northeastern Junior College on Tuesday.


WNCC 31 36 12 - 79
Western Wyoming 39 28 8 - 75
WNCC
Kiki Taylor 11, Dana Iverson 9, Emma Beddome 7, Tiara Scott 18, Lesley Olson 5, Victoria Martin 6, Alison Cheney 5, Shiraya Soto 4, Aurelie Derenoncourt 4, Chelsea Lyles 10.

WNCC baseball team starts season 0-4

The WNCC baseball team had some heartbreaking losses in their opening games against Hutchinson Community College Friday and Saturday in Odessa, Texas.

The team fell 12-2 and 10-9 on Friday and then lost 5-4 and 9-1 on Saturday. In the opener, sophomore Richie Stewart added a solo home run, while Pedro Suarez went 2-for-2 with a double. Phillips Orta took the loss on the mound.

In the second game, the Cougars received plenty of offensive support. Carson Cook led the way with a 3-for-r performance, including two doubles. Marcco Moreno went 2-for-4 with a double and three RBIs, while JayC Perez had a 3-run home run and Abraham Cervantes had a triple and two RBIs. Stewart also added a double. Chris Cuadra suffered the loss coming out of the bullpen.

In Saturday's first game, blowing a 4-0 lead to fall 5-4. Offensively, WNCC was led by Chris Hook with a 2-for-3 performance, Travis Lindhosrt getting a double, and Perez collecting a double and two RBIs.

In the final game, a 9-1 setback, Perez led the attack with a 3-for-3 performance, including a double. Cook also had double. Greg Crowe took the loss on the mound, allowing just one earned run.

WNCC men host North Platte in crucial sub-region showdown

The Region IX men’s basketball tournament has been vacant from Cougar Palace for 10 years.

Tonight, the Cougars can bring that 16-team tournament back to Cougar Palace when they host North Platte Community College in a East Sub-region showdown with the winner hosting this year’s tournament slated for March 3-7. Tip-off is slated for 7 p.m.

“This is a very important game that we looked forward to all year. One of our goals was to host the Region IX Tournament, and we have an opportunity to do that if we win Saturday,” WNCC coach John Jungers said. “Host the regional tournament is great for the community. It brings some great basketball to town and it helps economically. It will be a lot of fun.”

North Platte, though, will be no push over. The Knights enter the at 20-6 and are coming off a 70-49 pasting of McCook Community College.

“North Platte has a lot of balance,” Jungers said. “They are playing really hard and right now they have a lot of confidence. They are going to get up and they are going to guard us.”

The Knights have three players averaging in double figures. Sophomore Danny Tucker is averaging 14.8 points a game, including knocking home 46 3-pointers this season. The Knights also are seeing double-digits from Joseph Odugbela at 11.2 points and Charles Smith at 11.

North Platte is also one of the top defensive teams in the region giving up just 68.7 points a game compared to WNCC’s 77 points. Offensively, though, the two teams are practically equal. The Cougars are averaging 81.6 points a game to North Platte’s 79.6.

Jungers said the key for the Cougars to come away with the victory and the right to host the regional tournament, will be getting stops.

“We just need to get stops and that has ended up being a big emphasis this year,” he said. “That involves good defense and that involves being able to collect loose balls and rebounds.”

Getting those last minutes stops proved beneficial for WNCC Wednesday night as they turned back Eastern Wyoming Wednesday night 76-74 on the road. The close Wednesday has been something the Cougars have experienced all season with the last seven games the Cougars have played, the final margin was less then five points.

“Every one of our games it seems has gone down to the wire,” Jungers said. “I think we are well tested. We had that experience the other night at Torrington and we came out ahead. You learn as the season goes along. We have learned how to finish games. I think that might go to our advantage. Our guys followed the game plan and executed it and we made our free throws.”

WNCC is led by a plethora of players that light up the scoreboard. Leading the list is Texas Tech recruit Ricardo De Bem, who is averaging 17.7 points and eight rebounds a game. Next in line is CJ Hampton who is averaging 13 points a game. Wednesday night, Hampton finished with 23 points and four 3-pointers.

Also netting double digits are Erik Smith at 12.4 points and Matthew Akins at 10.5 points. Jungers said the versatility that this team shows makes them dangerous in the final weeks of the season.

“Our guys have competed all year long. I have all the confidence in the world in these young men that they are going to come out and give their best effort,” he said. “If they do that, the rest will take care of itself. I would love to see The Palace packed. It should be an high-level game and exciting to watch.”

Cougar softball goes 1-1 at tournament

The Western Nebraska Community College softball team opened the season with a 5-1 win over Frank Phillips College in the first day of the Odessa Tournament. Jessica Pexton picked up the win in the circle.

The Cougars then fell to Midland College 9-2 in the second game. Natasha Dypchey took the loss. Amanda Torimaru smacked a home run for the Cougars. Other players that performed well were Whittany Foster and Jessica Ventoza.

Head coach Maria Winn said that in each game, WNCC struck first, which was key for the Cougars.

WNCC has one more game on Friday, at 6 p.m. against Odessa College. The Cougars will then face two more teams on Saturday -- Howard College and Vernon College.

Cougar softball team ready for season

(Note: When this story was originally written, the Cougars were scheduled to play Frank Phillips. But that game was cancelled because of the bus breaking down).

When the Western Nebraska Community College softball team hits the diamonds this morning to face Frank Phillips College in Borger, Texas, they will be facing a team similar to them.

Frank Phillips enters the contest with the same type of team as the Cougars, low in numbers. Still, when the two butt heads at 9 a.m. at Borger, Texas, it will be anyone’s game.

“Last year when we played Frank Phillips, they were a spunky bunch last year,” WNCC head coach Maria Winn said. “We had them beat last year and they just fought their way back into it. We are going to play them three times while we are down there.”

Last season, the Cougars fell to Frank Phillips 7-6 after leading 6-3 in the fourth inning. What Winn is looking mostly from these games this year a chance to get the jitters out before Friday and Saturday’s Odessa Tournament.

“The nice thing is we will get the jitters out and see what we are made of before we actually get into tournament against Midland, Odessa, Howard and Vernon, who are are powerhouses,” she said. “You don’t match up scholarship-wise with these schools; you just hope you match up with them with heart.

“We are just going to go down and do the best we can and we hope we come back victorious in every game we play, but as long as we can go down and get some game experience and learn from it, I think we will be better as a program.”

After this weekend’s seven games, the Cougars will venture into Region IX action with road trips to Southern Colorado on back-to-back weekends. By playing in a tournament with teams that have qualified for the national tournament in the past, she is hoping that this year’s team gains some valuable experience before heading into Region IX games starting next weekend.

“I think we will see some of the toughest competition right off the bat. We will see some good teams and some good pitching, which will prepare us for the region games,” Winn said. “This season could be really exciting. The kids are working hard. We saw lots of progression offensively. Pitchers have gotten much better over the winter break.”

The Cougars will field a roster of 12 players with just one returner from last year’s 27-25 team in Ashley Eichelberger. The team also has a transfer from Highline Community College in Washington in Jessica Ventoza, who will be counted on for leadership as well.

Winn says while the pitching staff is solid with three freshmen hurlers in Natasha Dypchey, Jessica Pexton and Amanda Patton, she realizes that they won’t overpower anyone. That is why she said that offensive production is a must.

“I think we can score two or three runs a game and win a lot of ball games,” she said. “We will have to give the pitchers some run production, but they [pitchers] have really been working hard.

“I really couldn’t say anything more positive about the 10 freshmen we have. At the beginning, there were some things they had to tweak from high school ball and they weren’t too excited about doing that. Now they understand the method to our madness. I have never been around a team that I enjoy being around, that I enjoy spending time with them on the bus and off the field because they are good kids and very respectful and they don’t want to disappoint me.”

Last season the Cougars finished runner-up at the regional tournament, something that no other Cougar softball has come close to doing. This year, Winn said there are steps or goals they want to achieve. The first on the list is winning the league title so they can host the Region IX tournament. After that, doing well at regionals is right there.

“I hope at the end of the year we are playing the regional tournament in Scottsbluff, but if we are not, I hope that at the end of the regional tournament we are the winners and going onto the national tournament,” she said. “I think this team competes hard and they play well with each other, and have great team chemistry and that will get you far in this sport.”

Anything is possible this year in Region IX, who now have seven teams with Dawson Community College moving from Division III to Division I. Because of that move by Dawson, the winner of the regional tournament automatically qualifies for nationals without having to play a district playoff.

Winn said this year, Region IX is up in the air. “There are a lot of good teams out there. Right now, from what I saw in the fall, Lamar is the toughest. They got back some really good returning players and they have a nice freshman class,” she said. “I think for us, we have 11 new kids in the program and one that understands our tradition. She understands my philosophy, work ethic and that I want to win. All these kids are passionate of what they want to do and they work hard every day and they just want to go out and win.”

WNCC softball position-by-position

Optimism is running high in the minds of this year’s Western Nebraska Community College softball players and coaches. WNCC’s fans and opponents will get a glimpse of that optimism when they open the season Friday at the Odessa, Texas, Tournament Friday and Saturday.

WNCC coach Maria Winn said these girls are ready to get the season going. “They are eager to get on the bus Wednesday morning at 8 a.m.,” she said. “They have been talking about going to Texas for the last week. They have their bags packed and ready to go.”

Winn can’t wait to see how this team meshes as a unit after a successful fall campaign, in which they went 15-8-1. “This group is fun and energetic, and the recruits coming in brag about how good of kids they are,” Winn said. “We have really worked hard to go out and find good kids that are athletic. I didn’t know that in my athletic career that I would take good athletic kids, good people and sacrifice some other things that might be out there because I couldn’t ask for a better group of kids.”

This year’s team features just 12 players with just one returning player, Ashley Eichelberger from Orangevale, Calif., from last year’s 27-25 and Region IX runner-up team. Winn said Eichelberger’s nickname is “Mom,” since she is the mother-figure on the team of helping the girls excel on and off the court.

“The kids really have trusted her and she came in with the attitude of ‘I am here to help us make us better,’” Winn said. “The kids have really responded to that. She knows when they need to behave a little better and be a little bit more in tune of what we are doing. That is off the field, and what she does on the field is hard to explain. She is versatile and she hits for power.”

The other 11 players are all newcomers to the program, including sophomore transfer Jessica Ventoza, who transferred to WNCC from Highline Community College in Washington.

“She is a unique kid and a tremendous competitor, who probably hates to lose as much as I do,” Winn said. “She has tremendous foot speed, and we flipped her around to bat left-handed this spring to get some versatility. She will be a threat on the bases. She really worked hard to pick up the kids.”

With 12 players and 11 being freshmen, Winn doesn’t see a depth problem. She is pleased with the flexibility this team possesses.

“We don’t have a lot of bodies sitting on the bench, but we have kids that can interchange positions, and that is what is unique about us,” Winn said. “Having this versatile of a team really helps because if someone does go down with an injury, we might have to juggle some things, but we might not lose as much as people might think just having 12 players.”

Position-wise, Winn said they can go two and three deep. Here is a breakdown, by position, of this year’s Cougar softball team.

Pitcher
WNCC has four pitchers, with Natasha Dypchey of South Surrey, British Colombia, leading the charge. Right behind Dypchey is Jessica Pexton of Douglas, Wyo., who Winn said has improved considerably since the fall season. The other pitchers are Ashley Patton of Delta, Utah, and possibly Ashley Eichelberger in spots.

“Natasha threw really well for us in the fall. We have been doing pressure bullpens and charting pitches, and she is very consistent for us,” Winn said. “Pexton really has improved a lot for us and has more control with her curve ball and she is getting more pitches on the black. When she does miss, she is not missing down the middle of the plate.
“I also think Ashley Patton is a kid that will win a lot of ball games for us because she throws to her spots. She will not stand on the mound and intimidate and overpower you with speed, she just does the little things right. With those three kids, we see a lot. Natasha has a great rise ball, Pex has a really good curveball, and then you have Patton who has a great off-speed pitch.”

Catcher
The catching position is also deep with Amanda Torimaru of Ft. Collins, Colo., and Amanda Hensley, of Denver, Colo., ready to call the game behind the plate. Both catchers also led the team in hitting during the fall season. Torimaru batted .513 with three home runs and 28 RBIs, while Hensley hit .540 with 27 hits.

Lauren Bourdon of Duck Lake, Saskatchewan Canada, can also fill in behind the plate if needed, but Winn said Bourdon will more then likely see time in the outfield.

“We will see a lot of good things happen for us behind the dish for us,” Winn said. “Our battery will be controlled by freshmen. That is promising for us for the upcoming year. Tori and Hensley led the team in hitting in the fall. Obviously, both can’t catch at the same time, so you will see both of those kids in the field somewhere because they hit so well.”

First Base
The first base position will be anchored by Eichelberger and Pexton, when she doesn’t pitch. Winn said depth at first base won’t be a problem.

“Ashley does a really nice job maintaining the team and because our catchers are kind of quiet and she is our leader,” she said. “Pex came in with limited experience and got experience in the fall. She does some really nice things and has really grown a lot. We are excited to get her some time there and see how she responds in game situations.”

Second Base
The second base position will be anchored by Kara Ryman, of Westminster, Colo. Winn said they also have the luxury of moving either Dypchey, Ventoza or Jessie McNabb to second base at times.

“Kara came in as a high school shortstop, and primarily played second base in the fall for us,” Winn said. “We are pretty versatile at second, third and short. Those kids can all interchange.”

Shortstop
Ventoza is the main shortstop. When she isn’t playing there, Winn said she can play third, second or the outfield. Besides Ventoza’s fielding, she also will be a plus in the batting lineup, having stolen seven bases in the fall.

Thirdbase
The third base position will be handled mainly by McNabb, of Davidson, Saskatchewan Canada. Other players that can play that position include Eichelberger, and outfielders Bourdon and Lauren Mills.

“McNabb will primarily play third for us,” Winn said. “McNabb is athletic and a gutsy kid. She will dive for anything and she will work hard.”

Outfield
Winn said the outfield will feature a bunch of competitive and raw players. Roaming the grassy area will be Whittany Foster, of Greeley, Colo. Foster is a true outfielder, while the other players can play other positions on the infield. They include Mills of Birch Hills, Saskatchewan Canada, Bourdon, along with Torimaru, Hensley, Patten, Dypchey and Ventoza.

“Every kid on our team can play the outfield,” the third-year head coach said. “That is the one unique quality of this team, that everyone is interchangeable. Not everyone can pitch or catch, but with the other seven positions on the field, if you ask them to do it, they will give 100 percent.”

After this weekend’s contests, the team will be back on the road for Region IX games in Colorado. The team’s first home contest is scheduled for March 4 against Lamar Community College.

Cougar men fall to LCCC in OT

The Western Nebraska Community College men’s basketball team committed 24 turnovers, including crucial ones down the stretch, in falling to Laramie County Community College 78-76 in overtime.

“We established a nice lead then we went to our bench and they penetrated us and got buckets and that hurt us,” WNCC coach John Jungers said. “We were up by 12 points, and then we had two costly turnovers. We had opportunities to score in lay-up situations and we did not convert.”

WNCC raced out to a 30-25 halftime lead. In the second half, the Cougars enjoyed a 12-point lead with about six minutes to play. That was when the Golden Eagles started to make their run, tying the game at 66 after regulation.

The Golden Eagles, who improved to 11-13, outscored WNCC 12-10 in the extra period.

Jungers said that they just need to not make mistakes. “We turned the ball over 24 times and had costly ones late,” he said. “It is not exactly a lack of effort, it is a lack of mental focus at this point.”

WNCC, 8-15, had three players in double figures. Matthew Akins led the team with 18 points followed by Erik Smith with 13 and Ricardo De Bem with 13.

LCCC had four players in double figures, led by Ralph Woodson with 20 and DeAngelo McIntosh with 19.

The Cougars will look to stop a 4-game skid Saturday night when they host Casper College at 7:30 p.m.

WNCC (8-15) 30 36 10 – 76
LCCC (11-13) 25 41 12 -- 78
WESTERN NEBRASKA
Chance Wallesen 6, Matthew Akins 18, Erik Smith 13, Carl Buck 12, Doradji Wilson 3, Ricardo De Bem 12, DaRon Kirkendoll 2, Keron McKenzie 4, C.J. Hampton 4
LARAMIE COUNTY
Ralph Woodson 20, Donnell Lyons 15, DeAngelo McIntosh 19, Kierre Miller 16.

Blue and Gold at WNCC home game with Casper College

The Western Nebraska Community College men’s and women’s basketball team will take on Region IX rivals Casper College Saturday night in Blue and Gold Night Feb. 10.

The evening festivities will include free Cougar blue and gold megaphone with a popcorn purchase. It will also be Girls Scout night, as well as the Scottsbluff High Drill Team will perform with the youngsters from the drill team’s afternoon drill clinic during the men’s game.

The basketball games will begin at 5:30 p.m. with the women’s contest followed by the men’s game. The WNCC women enter the contest at 20-1 and ranked No. 9 in the nation. Both WNCC teams lost to Casper two weeks ago. The women fell 58-54, while the men lost in overtime 92-87.

The women’s contest has sub-region complications on hosting the Region IX tournament. The women need to beat Casper by at least five points to hold the tiebreaker over Casper if the teams tie. Then, the Cougar women need to go to Western Wyoming Community College on Feb. 17 and win to host the regional tournament in March.

The Cougar men, on the other hand, need a win to stop a skid where they lost three straight contests, including the last time they played at Cougar Palace Jan. 31 against Eastern Wyoming College 76-71.

After Saturday's contest, the Cougar women will have one home game remaining, Feb. 20 against Northeastern Junior College, while the Cougar men will have two home games -- Feb. 17 against North Platte Community College and Feb. 20 against Northeastern Junior College.

WNCC men fall to Northeast Nebraska

The Western Nebraska Community College men's basketball team fought hard on the road, coming back from a 43-34 halftime deficit, to fall to Northeast Community College 83-80.

The Cougars played without Ricardo De Bem, who stayed home with the an illness, received a 20-point performance from Chance Wallesen.

The drops the Cougars to 4-1 in sub-region play with a must-win game against North Platte Community College at Cougar Palace on Feb. 17 to have a chance to host the regional tournament.

WNCC will have little time to relax as they travel to Cheyenne, Wyo., to face Laramie County Community College on Tuesday.

More on this game Monday when the team returns from Norfolk.

WNCC women cruise to 20th win

The Western Nebraska Community College women's basketball team had their way Sunday afternoon against Air Force Prep in posting their 20th win of the season wiht a 94-23 win.

The only suspense to the game was when would the team score their first field goal. And, it took them awhile. Kiki Taylor scored the first four points, all on free throws. Then, with 17 minutes to play, Tiara Scott grabbed an offensive rebound to net the team's first field goal.

After that, the Cougars scored at will from the inside and outside, and all but one Cougar player got their name in the scorebook.

The hot hand for WNCC was freshman Dana Iverson, who finished with 15 points. Iverson had two 3-pointers, six rebounds and three blocked shots.

WNCC also had three other players score in double figures. Scott finished with 14 points and nine rebounds, and Taylor and Victoria Martin each had 12 points.

WNCC, who led 48-13, shot 51 percent from the game and out-rebounded the Air Force Prep Huskies 52-24. The Cougars defense forced 31 turnovers in the win.

WNCC will now be in action Saturday when they host Casper College in a must-win-by-five-points contest to have a chance to host the regional tournament.

Scottsbluff's Tower signs with WNCC soccer

Scottsbluff’s Shayne Tower has always enjoyed kicking a ball, whether it was an oblong-shaped one for the Bearcat football team, or a round, multi-colored one for the soccer team.

Late Monday afternoon, Tower made that ultimate decision of what sport to pursue in college. And, after thinking about playing football at the University of Wyoming or Nebraska Wesleyan University as a placekicker, he decided to attend Western Nebraska Community College and participate in soccer.

As it turned out, Tower said it was a pretty easy choice.

“I played football this year so I was contemplating going someplace to continue to kick,” Tower said. “I was thinking I am not mature to handle all that kicking and soccer was my best sport, so I decided to pursue a career in that.”

Tower is satisfied with the decision to attend WNCC on a soccer scholarship.

“Coming here will be a great start for me to get all my basics out of the way, and it is a good start to get a feel for college soccer,” Tower said. “It will give me a feel for college athletics and get to know everybody. I am happy with the decision.”

WNCC coach Todd Rasnic is excited to get an athlete of Tower’s talent, who has played soccer since he was six years old, and has played in the competitive youth program the last eight years.

“Shayne brings some experience in the game,” the second year men’s head coach said. “He will bring some help to the defense. We lost a couple good center defenders this year and we are in the process of replacing those players. Just watching him play, he brings the sure element of the team atmosphere I am looking for and the attitude I am looking for in players.

“We are pleased to have him come on and I think he will be a very useful part of the team in 2007.”

Tower, who was one of the best placekickers in the state in football this past season helping the Bearcats to a 7-3 record and a playoff berth, is a standout center defenseman for the soccer team. Two seasons ago, the Bearcats qualified for the state championships, and last season they just missed out. Tower is expecting the same results this year as two seasons ago.

“We should be pretty good. We have a lot of returning starters and we have been playing together since we were eight years old,” he said. “Hopefully we will be able to go to state again and have a good season.”

Scottsbluff coach Pedro Sulu said Tower will be a positive addition to the Cougar soccer program.

“He has always been fun to be around and he is a player that tries his best,” Sulu said. “There is a lot of things that he can contribute to the college and he is willing to learn. He is willing to try and he is a team player. Knowing coach Rasnic, he will like Shayne on his team, and Shayne will be able to learn a lot from the system at the college and hopefully he will be able to play at a higher division later.”

Tower said that his athletic success at Scottsbluff, though, wouldn’t be possible without the support from his parents and friends. And, the biggest thing he will miss from high school after this year is the fun times the team had on trips and in practice.

“I will miss all the fun we had playing for coach Sulu and all the bus trips and watching bull fights like that,” he said. “Practices were also pretty fun.”

Cougar men down McCook men

MCCOOK – The Western Nebraska Community College men’s basketball team
remained unbeaten in the East Sub-region with a hard-fought 62-60 win over McCook Community College Wednesday night.

The win pushes the Cougars to 4-0 in the sub-region and 8-11 overall. The winner of the East Sub-region will host the Region IX tournament in March.

WNCC coach John Jungers said his team showed character in playing in a tough environment.

“It is tough to beat anybody on the road, especially against a team that I thought played pretty well when they played at our place,” he said. “Then, to go down there two weeks later and have to play them again, that can be a trap game very easily.”

The Cougars held a 30-21 lead at halftime only to see McCook tie the game with nine minutes to play. Jungers said that his team played well when they needed to.

“I thought we played O.K. in stretches,” he said. “The thing I am most pleased about is that we showed some character on the road. Playing in a tough environment and playing a sub-region game, we showed some character and we hung in there.”

Jungers said that Doradji Wilson was the one of the reasons for the team’s win Wednesday night. The freshman from Chad scored eight points, all in the second half.

“Doradji Wilson did a great job,” he said. “He was patient, he rebounded and he was very good for us down the stretch. He stepped up big time.”

McCook’s second half comeback was due to timely 3-point shooting. The Indians were 6 of 13 from the arc in the second half. WNCC was just 3 of 17 for the game from the 3-point area.

WNCC, though, hung tough and collected the win behind balanced scoring. Only Matthew Akins finished with double-digit scoring, netting 14 for the game. Akins also pulled down eight rebounds.

Five other Cougars were on the brink of double-digits. CJ Hampton finished with nine points and seven rebounds, while Wilson, Ricardo De Bem, Erik Smith and Chance Wallesen all finished with eight points each.

Hampton contributed seven rebounds, while Beno Jaekel had six rebounds and five points.

WNCC will next be in action Saturday when they travel to Casper College for an 8 p.m. tip-off during the T-Birds Homecoming festivities. After that, the Cougars will host Eastern Wyoming College next Wednesday at 7 p.m.

WNCC (8-11) 30 32 – 62
McCook (9-13) 21 29 – 60
WESTERN NEBRASKA
Chance Wallesen 8, Erik Smith 8, Beno Jaekel 5, Matthew Akins 14, Carl Buck 2, CJ Hampton 9, Doradji Wilson 8, Ricardo De Bem 8.


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Cougar men, women split with NJC

The WNCC men's and women's basketball teams split with Northeastern Junior College Thursday night at Sterling, Colo.

The women, who put three players in double figures, fought off a determined comeback from the Plainswomen to win 77-63.

The men, on the other hand, spotted the No. 8 Plainsmen a 21-9 lead to open the game and never could cut the deficit to single digits the rest of the way in falling 94-82.

The Cougar men did, however, outscore the quick and athletic Plainsmen 47-44 in the second half. The WNCC men put three players in double figures, led by CJ Hampton's 23 points followed by Matthew Akins with 20 and Ricardo De Bem's 15.

On the women's side, the Cougars had three players in double figures. Tiara Scott led all scorers with 15 points followed by Kiki Taylor and Emma Beddome with 12 apiece. Beddome also knocked home four the the team's five 3-pointers.

Next up for the Cougar men and women will be a home contest Saturday, Jan. 20, when they host Otero Junior College. Tip-off for the first game is set for 5:30 p.m.

WNCC set to tangle with NJC Thursday night

The Western Nebraska Community College men’s and women’s basketball teams will venture in hostile territory tonight when the Cougars invade Sterling, Colo., to face the Northeastern Junior College Plainsmen and Plainswomen.

The Cougar women, who are still No. 9 in the latest NJCAA national poll with an unblemished record, will be looking to remain unbeaten against a talented Plainswomen squad. Tip-off for the women’s game is slated for 5:30 p.m. with the men’s game to follow.

“It will be a very intense game [tonight],” sophomore Victoria Martin said. “We usually have a hard time playing there because there fans are really wild and loud. Mentally, I think it will be a tough game. Physically, we are ready.”

What matters most for the Cougar women is to continue to play tough and try to get more respect in the national polls. Martin said they are semi-satisfied of being ranked No. 9 in the latest poll.

“We always think we should be better ranked of course, but that will come with time,” she said. “I think we just need to keep playing hard like we are. It is like we have to keep proving ourselves and keep on winning games.”

To get that respect, the team needs to keep playing well, and one of the strengths of this year’s team is defense. The Cougars are the fourth best team in the nation in defense with an average of 46.625. They only trail Brevard Community College (43.556), Hutchinson Community College (45.882) and Southeastern Illinois (46.375).

Saturday night, the Cougar women held Western Wyoming Community College, a team that came in with a 14-3 record, to just 30 points. Martin said they pride themselves in playing hard-nosed defense.

“I think our defense is getting a lot better then it was at the beginning of the year,” she said. “Saturday, we really didn’t realize we did that [holding Western Wyoming to 30 points]. After game was over and we were looking at the score, it felt pretty cool knowing that you could hold a team to low of a score.”

While the Cougar women are probably the favorites to win tonight against a 13-4 NJC team who lost 64-47 to Casper on Saturday night, the Cougar men will be facing a NJC team that has sparkled this season. The Plainsmen are ranked No. 9 in the latest NJCAA national poll with a 15-1 mark, moving up four spots from a week ago.

WNCC head coach John Jungers said this is a talented team.

“They are 15-1 right now and they are very talented,” he said. “Coach [Eddie] Trenkle has done an excellent job in his first year. They are playing at home, which makes them a very dangerous team.”

Jungers said for WNCC to knock off the No. 9 team, they need to play at their tempo.

“We can’t let them dedicate to us how we are going to play. That involves taking quick shots or allowing runs,” he said. “I also have been very pleased with how we shot the ball [from the free throw line]. We have done a good job lately and something that early on I didn’t think we were good at. We worked at it and I think it is an area that we really have improved. A lot of times that will help win games.”

But, don’t rule anything out for this year’s Cougar men’s team. The men are on a 3-game winning streak and have won five of their last seven ball games, and are playing well all around the court.

“I think we just continued to get better,” he said. “We have guarded better, we have rebounded better, and I think our motion offense is getting better. We just need to make sure we continue to play.”

The WNCC men, who are 6-10 on the season (12-4 without the forfeits from earlier in the season), are 3-0 start in the east sub-region. The Cougars have won some impressive games in their last three contests, downing McCook Community College 72-53, Northeast Community College 81-47 and then Tuesday night disposing of Laramie County Community College 84-73.

“These last few games has been a good preparation. Northeast, Laramie County and NJC are all very athletic and they are long. But, as far as being able to score from the perimeter, I think NJC has the ability to do that.”

NJC is fourth in Region IX in 3-point shooting, canning 40 percent of the long balls. The Cougars is not far behind, sitting sixth in the region at 38.1 percent. WNCC, though, has already canned 117 treys compared to Northeastern’s 88.

While both teams are deadly from the outside, it is the inside game for both squads that have stood out as of late. In WNCC’s 81-47 win over Northeast on Saturday, the Cougars three inside players Ricardo De Bem, Beno Jaekel and Matthew Akins combined for 57 points. De Bem had 28 only.

Jungers is pleased with the team’s inside game and the unselfishness of the team collecting assists.

“It doesn’t mean those inside guys need to take every shot because our perimeter players are very good scorers and shooters,” he said. “We always talk about sharing the ball and creating a scoring opportunity for your teammate. The other night Matthew Akins gave up the ball for one else for a dunk and Matt was more excited.“

Tonight’s contests will not be available on the air or the Internet, because of the switchover of KPNY owners on Monday. The new owners elected to drop sports on the station.

Hoops for Hunger Night Tuesday night

It will be Hoops for Hunger night at the Western Nebraska Community College men's basketball game Tuesday night against Laramie County Community College at Cougar Palace. Tip-off for the men's only game is set for 7 p.m.

Individuals who bring in a non-perishable food item to the game will receive $1 off the cost of an adult ticket. Season ticket holders or Cougar pass holders will receive one free media guide with donated food items. All food items will be donated to the local food pantry.

Former Cougar Hanavan goes out a winner

Not many collegiate athletes can say they are the top player in their division.

Former Western Nebraska Community College women’s soccer player Kylee Hanavan can lay claim to that title after being selected the Division II national player of the year, Daktronics Midwest Region player of the year and the RMAC Player of the year. She was also an 8-time RMAC player of the week during her 3-year career.

Hanavan, who played for the Cougar women’s soccer program in 2003, finished her collegiate career as the top Division II women’s soccer player in the nation after leading Metro State University to the national title with a 1-0 win over Grand Valley State 1-0. It was the second national championship Hanavan and Metro State has won in the past three years.

“This year’s national championship was something we seniors had talked about and wanted all year long,” Hanavan said. “We were such a young team not knowing if we could accomplish a national championship, but as a senior I, and the whole team, was going to try our hardest to get there. When we actually won it, it was so unreal because it seemed impossible to get one let alone two. It is an indescribable feeling.”

The 5-foot-6 forward also set many Roadrunner records. She leaves Metro State as the all-time career leader in points (206), goals (80) and assists (46). This past season, she led the conference with 66 points, 23 goals and 20 assists. The 20 assists is a Metro State single-season assist record.

“I don’t think someone could have asked for more to have achieved so much,” she said. “I went in with the mentality to play as hard as I could as an individual and as a team and all the [honors] that come along don’t hurt. It is a great honor. I owe a lot to all who have made me a better player, especially Danny Sanchez (Metro State Head Coach).

“Individually, I have set goals, assists, game winning goals, and total points records, but I must say I could not have done it without my team and my coaching staff.”

Hanavan possessed those same soccer skills while at WNCC, where she scored 22 goals to help the Cougar women to a 19-1 record in its first year of competition. That Cougar team won 19 straight games and came within one win of making the national tournament.

In fact, her 22 goals stood as the most scored until this year when Bre Perkes broke the record with 26 goals this season.

“I remember what a great team we had, and I think Rick Carpenter and Tom Townsend pushed us to the limit which made us so great,” she said. “WNCC has taught me, no matter what you think might happen, to play to your full potential because in the end something great might happen.”

With all the accomplishments and accolades Hanavan has earned in her soccer playing days, she listed five that she will carry with her for years to come.

“Number one is winning two national championships and I think those are self explanatory,” she said. “It is the best because I had two of the best teams and teammates behind me in both victories.”

The rest of the Hanavan’s top five soccer moments include playing with her sister, Megan, two different times because “I look up to her and think she has made me as strong and dedicated as I am now.”

Three through five memories include WNCC and high school highlights. “Number three is force marking with Rick Carpenter at WNCC because you can really see how mean and aggressive girls can get. Plus we loved just taking people out and that gave us the chance,” she said. “Number four was in my first high school soccer game and we got to run out when our names were called and half way to the middle of the field, I fell straight on my butt in front of everyone. This is in my top five because I think along the way people need to learn and know they can have fun.”

Number five, Hanavan said, is for all the doubters who thought she wasn’t talented. “In all my years of soccer, my fifth memory is being able to prove everyone wrong who had ever doubted or looked down upon me,” she said. “I can say I have made something of myself and my high school and two college programs I have played for.”

From what Hanavan has all accomplished in her many years of playing soccer, younger girls now have someone to look up to. She said that attending a junior college first was probably the best thing that she ever did.

“I think in order to be successful, especially in a sport like soccer, you have to be willing to give your heart out to the program,” she said. “That is what I have done for both programs and I would not change anything for the world. Some people say junior college is not a place to go, but I think it is a place to start and grow as an individual until something else great comes along.”

Two WNCC events among KNEB's top 10 of 2006

Just checking out the websites and KNEB Radio, and sports director Rob Barney, has listed their top 10 sports stories for 2006. Rob Barney has selected to WNCC events in his top 10. Here is the entire list, and for other sports news dealing with the region (high school and college), switch to www.kneb.com.

WNCC events appeared at No. 2 with the WNCC volleyball team's runner-up finish and No. 5 with the passing of WNCC men's basketball coach Ron Brillhart.

Here is KNEB's top stories for 2006 and how they were all ranked.

It was an outstanding year for sports in the area. Here is the list of KNEB's top ten stories.
1. Gering's Dean Gorsuch winning the National Finals Rodeo steer wrestling title and finishing the season number one ranked in the world.
2. The WNCC Cougar volleyball team's run to the national championship match, while being ranked number one most of the season and finishing 56-2 on the year.
3. The Scottsbluff High School girls basketball team qaulifying for its first ever trip to the state tournament.
4. The Scottsbluff girls golf team winning the Class B state title. The Gering girls cross country team winning the Class B state championship. And Brock Smith of Gering and Jacob Gonzales of Morrill capping unbeaten seasons with state wrestling titles.
5. The leave of absence and death of longtime WNCC men's basketball coach Ron Brillhart.
6. The high school football campaign featuring Gary Hartman's final season as Scottsbluff High football coach and the team's run to the state playoffs, and Minatare capturing its first postseason win ever in the first round of the six-man playoffs.
7. The Twin Cities Zephyrs legion baseball team qaulifying for and hosting the State Class A Tournament.
8. The near deaths of Scottsbluff High School activities director Lee Dick, his wife Bonnie and SHS girls cross country and track coach Tayna Ball in an automobile accident in Mexico.
9. Scottsbluff High School's Jordan Wilberger being a recruited walk-on for the National Champion Nebraska Cornhusker volleyball team.
10. Mitchell High School grad Nathan Lashley playing on the Nationwide golf tour.