DIFFICULT ENDING: SHORTHANDED TRAPPERS BATTLE TO SEASON'S END

Shorthanded and battling for a spot in the Region IX tournament, the Northwest College women's basketball team gave it a shot at Gillette College for the second weekend in a row, with the Pronghorns pulling away in the fourth quarter of the play-in game to end the Trappers' season 85-67 last Friday.    

GILLETTE COLLEGE 85, NORTHWEST 67
Making the trip to Gillette for the second consecutive weekend the Trappers (15-15 overall) were hoping to keep their season alive against the Pronghorns (16-15) after losing on a buzzer-beater 72-71 the game prior.

The task would prove to be difficult, as the Trappers were without leading scorer Roxanne Rogers and starting point guard Bianca Silva due to injuries.

"Having our starting point guard and our leading scorer out was an adjustment mostly from a leadership standpoint. Not having their poise on the floor forced our other girls to step outside their comfort zone and step up," coach Lauren Davis said. "Which they did — it was different, but we handled the adversity well."

In the first quarter the Trappers were able to take advantage of some early steals, coming out strong and holding an 18-16 lead after the first frame.

The Pronghorns responded in the second quarter, using defense of their own to convert steals into easy points and using a strong scoring attack to hold a 42-37 lead at the half.

Northwest immediately burst out the gates with two 3-pointers in the third quarter, reclaiming the lead before Gillette regained control of the contest.

The Trappers outscored the hosts in the quarter, but still trailed after three quarters down 54-51.

Gillette broke away in the fourth quarter early, using a strong 3-point attack to help put away the Trappers.

The Pronghorns outscored Northwest 31-17 in the fourth quarter, ending the Trapper's season with an 85-68 scoreline.

Northwest was led by Kelsi Nicholson with 19 points, seven rebounds and tied for the team lead with four assists.

Kamalani Anitielu had 17 and also had four assists.

Selen Ucak had 13 points, Tayva Phillips had nine points and led with three steals.

Gillette outrebounded Northwest 40-29, grabbing 15 offensive rebounds compared to nine for Northwest.

"Being outrebounded like that allowed Gillette to have multiple second chance opportunities along with more shot attempts than us which hurt us," Davis said.    

LEARNING SEASON
Coming into this season the Trappers brought back limited experience from the year prior, with only three sophomores listed on the roster compared to 10 freshmen.

"Our team really learned how difficult it is to win in Region IX," Davis said. "Having so many young players I also think they matured a lot. They overcame adversity and stuck together the entire season."

She said she feels the chemistry the team demonstrated was outstanding, and they built a strong foundation that will help the Trappers be a force for next season.

Northwest will say goodbye to Rogers along with fellow sophomores Anna Knight and Tyne Killip, giving the 10 freshmen the opportunity to return next year.

"I will miss our sophomores and I'm so excited to see what their futures hold," Davis said. "Our freshmen coming back are so fun. They have created an amazing culture and will be a great team to coach next season and any incoming kids we will have."     

GILLETTE COLLEGE 85, NORTHWEST 67
Total rebounds then offensive rebounds in ()
Points — Kelsi Nicholson 19, Kamalani Anitielu 17, Selen Ucak 13, Tayva Phillips 9, Carolina Ruiz 7, Anna Knight 3
Rebounds — Kelsi Nicholson 7 (5), Selen Ucak 6, Tayva Phillips 4, Kamalani Anitielu 3, Carolina Ruiz 2, Anna Knight 1 (1), Jai'La Porter 1 (1)
Assists — Kamalani Anitielu 4, Kelsi Nicholson 4, Carolina Ruiz 3, Tayva Phillips 1, Selen Ucak 1
Steals — Tayva Phillips 3, Kamalani Anitielu 2, Kelsi Nicholson 2, Selen Ucak 1