Perimeter shooting helps Trojans down North Platte in regular season finale

North Platte, Neb. – North Platte dropped its season finale against Trinidad State, 82-67, as the Trojans connected on eleven three pointers in the opening half on Saturday afternoon.

Jada Thompson led the Knights with 17 points, while EmmaJo Locks chipped in 12 points and seven rebounds. Madison Cheleen and Kateria Gooden both had 10 points to finish out the North Platte players in double figures.

"Today was not a good day for us, in all aspects of our play," said head coach Jeff Thurman. "We need to forget about this weekend, regroup and refocus for next Saturday."

The Trojans raced out to a 25-5 lead after Candela Roy connected on Trinidad's seventh three pointer of the first quarter. A brief 4-0 spurt temporarily halted the Trojans offense, but Trinidad answered with a 9-2 run to close the quarter with a 34-11 lead.

North Platte cut the deficit in half on a three pointer by Cheleen in the early minutes of the second quarter. Trinidad continued to showcase their offense as they built their largest lead of the game at 50-23 with 2:49 to play. North Platte rallied over the closing minutes to cut the deficit to 52-33 at the halftime break.

North Platte shut down the Trojans offense while using an 11-3 run to cut the margin to 55-44. Trinidad answered with a 10-0 run, before another Knights 8-2 rally narrowed the deficit to 69-54 headed into the final quarter.

The black and gold opened the final quarter with a layup by Locks, but they were met with strong defense the rest of the way. Trinidad matched the Knights in the final ten minutes to close out the road win. 

North Platte (18-12) will host the Region IX Championship next Saturday. Tip is scheduled for 3 p.m. inside the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium.