Women's hoop team improves to 5-1

By Michael Leek
Sports Editor 

The LCC women’s basketball team prevailed Monday, Nov. 20 against the Calvin University JV team, 52-37.

The Stars previously won a game on Saturday, Nov. 18 against Jackson College that came down to the last few possessions. LCC won 62-59 after a near flawless night from the free-throw line.

The Stars shot 21-for-23 from the free-throw line. LCC Head Coach Megan Hudson said that was a big reason for the win on Saturday.

“We practice fatigued free throws every practice,” Hudson said. “However we haven’t shot them that well all season. Our 91 percent for Saturday’s game was simply the players being locked in for a big game.”

Both wins improve the Stars’ record to 5-1 on the season. They remain undefeated at home.

For the game on Nov. 20, Hudson said the Stars had a poor shooting night, except in the paint. It started out slow after only scoring five points in the first quarter.

Freshman Center Kara Bartels took on the majority of the scoring load, finishing with 26 points and 12 rebounds, this being her third double-double of the season.

The next highest scorer for the Stars was freshman guard Ellie Humble with 14 points. Hudson said Humble was able to adjust offensively and take the ball in the paint because her three-pointers were not falling.

On the defensive side of the ball, freshman guard Peyton Anderson was a sparkplug with five steals.

Hudson said defense is one of the Stars’ biggest assets.

“We have fast guards and a lot of length so we work to put them in positions to use those advantages,” Hudson said. “”Our team overall is averaging more than 10 deflections a game.”

The Stars will continue their season after the Thanksgiving break, playing Mott Community College at home on Wednesday, Nov. 29.

After a few days off they will be back in the gym preparing for conference games in January. Hudson said they have a male team they practice with, allowing the Stars to play against stronger and faster defenders in practice.

“Our schedule after break is full of talented JuCo (junior college) teams, which will continue to push us in preparation for conference play,” Hudson said.