WOMEN LIGHT UP CENTRAL

An offensive outburst in the second quarter propelled the Northwest College women's basketball team to a dominant 84-57 road victory over Central Wyoming College on Saturday, helping the Trappers get one step closer to a postseason berth. 

NORTHWEST 84, CENTRAL WYOMING 57
Looking to get into position to host a play-in game, the Trappers (15-11 overall, 4-5 Region IX North) went to Riverton on Saturday to take on the Rustlers (9-18 overall, 2-7 Region IX North).

In the first quarter the Trappers and Rustlers battled back-and-forth before Northwest pulled ahead for a 17-11 lead after the first frame.

A strong second quarter start quickly swelled the lead to 27-11 before the Rustlers scored again.

"We were able to turn our defense into offense which was really good," coach Lauren Davis said. "Players also hit shots. We were really efficient — we've been kind of lacking the last couple of games. We've gotten really good looks and just haven't knocked them down."

The extended run in the second stretched to 24-3 to help the Trappers build a commanding lead.

That lead held going into the locker room as the Trappers led 47-21 after the break.

Northwest continued its strong scoring in the second half, not allowing the Rustlers to cut significantly into the lead. The Trappers held a 61-34 advantage going into the fourth quarter.

Northwest pushed the lead to 30 up 74-44 midway through the final frame, and cruised to an 84-57 win.

Tayva Phillips led the Trappers with 22 points and four steals, Roxanne Rogers had 15 points, Bianca Silva had 12 points and led with eight rebounds. Kelsi Nicholson was the final Trapper in double-figures with 10 points.

Kamalani Anitielu led with 10 assists, as the Trappers were dominant in assisting 28 of 34 made baskets while going 8-8 at the free throw line.

"Central only zones so I usually put our best passer in the high post," Davis said. "She (Anitielu) definitely produced, which was huge for us." 

FINAL HOME CONTEST
Northwest was scheduled to take on Region IX North leaders Casper College (21-5 overall, 7-1 Region IX North) on Wednesday night; that result was determined after the press deadline.

The Trappers will continue their mini homestand this Saturday, taking on Western Wyoming (10-16 overall, 5-3 Region IX North) at 2 p.m. in the final home game of the regular season.

"I hope that the excitement of sophomore night brings a spark," Davis said. "Our girls definitely know they can play with both teams. We just need to not turn the ball over and rebound the ball, it's been the name of the game for us."

Northwest has closed in on locking up a play-in spot, with the top six teams advancing to the postseason and the top two seeds receiving a bye to the Region IX quarterfinals. The seventh rated team will not earn a postseason berth in the Region IX North for the women.

The Trappers are tied with Laramie County Community College, sitting at the No. 4 and 5 seeds with a 4-5 record.

Northwest and LCCC split the season series with each winning on the road. 

NORTHWEST 84, CENTRAL WYOMING 57
Total rebounds then offensive rebounds in ()
Points — Tayva Phillips 22, Roxanne Rogers 15, Bianca Silva 12, Kelsi Nicholson 10, Selen Ucak 9, Kamalani Anitielu 6, Anna Knight 4, Isabella Gurie 4, Ana Vakanjac 2
Rebounds — Bianca Silva 8, Roxanne Rogers 7, Tayva Phillips 6 (1), Kelsi Nicholson 6 (3), Kamalani Anitielu 5 (1), Isabella Gurie 2, Anna Knight 1 (1), Jai'La Porter 1
Assists — Kamalani Anitielu 10, Roxanne Rogers 6, Tayva Phillips 5, Bianca Silva 3, Kelsi Nicholson 2, Selen Ucak 2
Steals — Tayva Phillips 4, Roxanne Rogers 3, Kamalani Anitielu 2, Bianca Silva 2, Selen Ucak 1 

REGION IX STANDINGS
(as of Wednesday morning, Feb. 21)
1. Casper College 21-5 overall, 7-1 Region IX North
2. Eastern Wyoming 13-13 overall, 7-2 Region IX North
3. Western Wyoming 10-16 overall, 5-3 Region IX North
4. Northwest 15-11 overall, 4-5 Region IX North
5. Laramie County 11-14 overall, 4-5 Region IX North
6. Central Wyoming 9-18 overall, 2-7 Region IX North
7. Gillette College 12-14 overall, 1-7 Region IX North