Your future, our focus
Two matchups in a week against the Rocky Mountain JV saw the Northwest women’s basketball team cruise to two victories — defeating the Battlin’ Bears 74-45 at home on Friday and 99-48 on the road on Tuesday.
In their home opener on Friday, the Trappers came out and forced turnovers early and often — with those 12 turnovers turning into points for Northwest.
Despite forcing a dozen turnovers in the first quarter, Northwest only led 20-12 at the first intermission.
“It was the first home game, maybe there were some nerves,” coach Lauren Davis said. “We kind of came out flat.”
Northwest pushed the lead out to double digits in the second quarter, and went into the break with a 36-23 lead.
The Trappers picked up the scoring in the third quarter, with the bench contributing 16 of the team’s 23 points to push the lead out to 59-37 heading into the fourth quarter.
In the fourth, Northwest continued to push despite the large lead and finished the contest with a 74-45 victory.
Natalyah Nead led the Trappers with a 17 point, 10 rebound double-double — scoring all 17 of her points off the bench in the second half.
“Natalyah is a great person and teammate to have on the team,” Davis said. “Whatever role I give her she fulfills.”
Darla Hernandez with 11 points and Nayeli Acosta with 10 were the other two Trappers in double figures.
After winning at home Friday, Northwest went on the road Tuesday morning to take on the Battlin’ Bears again in Billings.
Northwest jumped out on top of the hosts immediately, coming out more comfortable than the first contest.
“We looked better coming out, we had a better rhythm and flow,” Davis said. “I think we have girls who are confident with the ball in their hands and make the right plays.”
The Trappers took advantage early, and cruised throughout the game to walk away with a 99-48 victory and move to 3-0 on the young season.
Northwest now heads to Riverton on Friday and Saturday to take part in the Central Wyoming College Tournament.
The Trappers will take on Colorado Northwestern Community College on Friday at 1 p.m.
“They had some success against Western Wyoming, we are definitely going to prepare them for that,” Davis said.
After the game on Friday, Northwest will take on the Air Force Prep on Saturday at 10 a.m.
Davis said that the Trappers have already seen the prep academy at the preseason jamboree and will hope to see improvements against them.
Northwest will return Monday to Powell to take on Williston State at 5:30 p.m.
“We need to be able to guard the paint better,” Davis said. “We need a better transition defense and to come out with a win not as close.”
The Trappers defeated Williston 69-66 in the season opener on Nov. 1.