Lady Knights win a close contest, stay undefeated at home

By Andrew Hunter

Knightly News Reporter

andrew.hunter@mymail.centralpenn.edu

The Central Penn College Lady Knights defeated the Trinity Washington Lady Tigers, 62-55, in a physical matchup on Friday at East Pennsboro Middle School.

With the Knights trying to defend their 4-0 home record, the team started off strong, with All-American point guard Tahniyaah Jackson leading defense. Jackson had two steals in the first quarter. On the other hand, the Knights struggled from the field in the first, going 6-21. A strong push in the final minutes of the first quarter allowed the Knights to cling to a 3-point lead.

To start the second quarter, Knight’s guard Sidney Green had a stylish layup to try to carry over the high-energy play from the end of the first quarter. The Knights kept forcing turnover after turnover, and kept grabbing rebound after rebound.

At the six-minute mark of the second quarter, Jackson went down after a scary collision with Tigers defender Mecca Camille. After a halt of play, Jackson was helped to the sidelines as the crowd held their collective breath.

After the injury timeout, she was replaced with freshman Cayla Thomas, who helped carry the load for the Knights and helped the Knights extend the lead to 31-25 at the end of the first half.

The huge question going into the third quarter was whether Jackson would be able to return to the court, which she did. Jackson showed immense leadership, even at less-than-full strength, by directing her teammates to where they needed to be.

But late in the third quarter, the Tigers battled back and briefly took the lead. At the midpoint of the third, the Tigers fell into foul trouble, and the Knights went to the line a total of 20 times, converting 70% of their free throws. And while in discussions with Knights head coach Erin Miller, she commented about missing some crucial free throws, but the successful shots helped the Knights keep their lead and to end the quarter, 51-42.

In the fourth quarter, Thomas was a clear leader. She contributed to all aspects of the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. The Knights kept extending their lead, getting to as many as 14 points ahead of the Tigers.

Green was another key contributor, grabbing crucial rebounds on both sides to keep possessions alive for the Knights, totaling 11 rebounds in the game. With these contributions, the Knights closed the Tigers out, winning 62-55.

Thomas was the Knightly News Player of the Game, adding 21 points, six rebounds and four steals, stepping in for Jackson and keeping the team moving forward.

Taryn Yancey led the way for Trinity Washington, contributing 19 points, three rebounds and two steals.

The Lady Knights improved their record to 11-5, including a perfect 5-0 at home. Trinity Washington fell to 1-10 on the season.

Central Penn has a little time off prior to the next game. They will take the floor next on Jan. 30 at Harford Community College.

The Knightly News Media Club broadcast the game on its YouTube channel, with Paul Miller and Dalton Koller on the call. You can find the link below.

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Comment or story idea? Contact KnightlyEditors@CentralPenn.Edu.

Edited by media-club co-advisers Professor Paul Miller and Professor Michael Lear-Olimpi.