Knights stretch win streak to four games with win over Northeast

Norfolk, Neb.– Neveah Golden recorded 16 points and nine rebounds to help North Platte earn the win over Northeast Community College, 60-45, on Saturday.

Golden's 16 points came on 5-of-11 shooting from the field and 4-of-4 from the free throw line. Sophomore Kateria Gooden harnessed 10 rebounds to accompany her nine points, while Jada Thompson added nine points and three steals.

"We had a great defensive effort today against a solid, well-coached Northeast team," said head coach Jeff Thurman. "Extremely proud of our attention to detail on the defensive end and how we executed on the offensive end."

A balanced offense helped North Platte hold the Hawks to just three points in the opening ten minutes. A jumper from Thompson triggered a 16-0 run that was broken up by a Clara Garrote free throw with 29 seconds remaining.

Northeast settled into their offensive rhythm early in the second quarter, as they cut the margin to 10 with 5:56 to play. A three from Thompson triggered a 7-0 spurt to push the Knights lead to 30-13. Northeast held the Knights to just three more points over the final 2:01, but North Platte still held a commanding 33-18 lead at the break.

The Knights maintained their double-digit lead throughout the final twenty minutes, as the Hawks could only manage to trim the deficit to 13.

A late run midway through the fourth quarter gave the Knights their largest lead of the game on a layup by EmmaJo Locks, 57-34. Northeast responded by narrowing the deficit to 15 at the end of regulation.

North Platte (14-10) will host McCook Community College on Tuesday. Tip is scheduled for 5 p.m. inside the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium.