Knights surpass century mark in win over Trojans

McCook, Neb. – North Platte dominated the Trojans of Trinidad State College in an 104-59 win to conclude the 2023-24 regular season.

Mariah Gardner led six players in double digits with 19 points on 7-of-12 shooting from the field. Samantha Riggles (17), Nariah Golden (16), Kateria Gooden (12), Dazjanae Greene (11), and Jada Thompson (10) all finished the game in double figures.

Knights closed out the game shooting 51.9 percent (42-81) from the field, as they finished with their highest point total since Jan. 17, 2012. North Platte knocked down 8-of-19 from long range and forced 25 Trojan turnovers in the win.

Knights came out firing in the opening quarter, as they had their highest scoring output in a single quarter this season. Trinidad opened the scoring, but an 11-0 run pushed the Knights out front for the remainder of the game.

The Trojans cut the margin to five over the next 2:23, but another long rally extended the margin into double digits. Nariah Golden connected from long range to extend the lead to 31-18, as the Knights outscored the Trojans down the stretch to take a 34-22 lead into the second quarter.

North Platte went on a 15-2 run over the opening 5:11 to take a commanding 49-25 lead on Golden's second three pointer of the half. The scoring slowed down over the closing minutes as the Knights took a 53-36 lead into the halftime break.

Knights continued to stretch the margin in the second half while connecting on 21-of-39 shots from field. Gooden added three more rebounds to accompany her eight in the opening half to complete her first double-double of her collegiate career.

North Platte (17-11) returns home for the Region IX Championship on Saturday, March 2. Tip is set for 4 p.m. at the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium.