Knights return to win column with dominating win over Bobcats

Peru, Neb. – Avery Johnson's first career double-double helped pace the Knights, as North Platte dominated the Bobcats of Peru State College JV on Sunday afternoon, 91-46.

"This was a good road win for us," said head coach Jeff Thurman. "Despite the margin of victory, we will need to clean up a few things as we prepare for a tough matchup on Tuesday."

Johnson tallied up her 10 points on 3-of-9 shooting, including 4-of-4 from the free throw line, while adding 13 rebounds.

Teammate Janay Brauer contributed 17 points, on 6-of-12 shooting, while grabbing five rebounds and three steals. Sophomore Kayla Pope also chipped in 17 points, eight assists, and three rebounds against the Bobcats.

North Platte flexed their muscle early, jumping out to an 11-5 lead in the opening four minutes of the first quarter. Strong defense gave the Knights extra offensive possessions, as a three by Brauer capped off a 19-5 run to end the first quarter.

The Knights dominance continued in the second quarter, as Madison Heinzen added her name to the scoring column with a layup to extend the lead to twenty-four. Strong defense by the Knights allowed only one field goal for the Bobcats over the opening 7:42, as North Platte extended their lead to thirty-eight. Peru State responded in the closing minutes, launching an 8-0 run to trim the margin to thirty by the halftime break, 51-21.

Out of the break, the Knights pushed their lead to thirty-nine on a baseline jumper by Johnson. Peru State would begin to exploit some holes in the Knights defense, as the Bobcats matched North Platte bucket for bucket for the remainder of the quarter.

Peru State scored the opening bucket of the fourth quarter, before the Knights lead grew to forty-five when Dayonna Roberts connected with Jada Ballard in transition for an open layup. The Bobcats offense got a little spark midway through the fourth quarter, but North Platte once again tightened up on defense and controlled the final minutes to seal the road win.  

Knights (15-8) return home on Tuesday, Feb. 1 for a rematch against the Plainswomen of Northeastern Junior College. Tip is set for 5 p.m. inside the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium. North Platte won the previous matchup in Sterling on Jan. 11, 70-51.