North Central Missouri College, ranked #1 in the latest NJCAA DII poll, put on an impressive offensive performance in their 86-57 victory over St. Louis Community College, fueled by efficient shooting and strong contributions across their roster. The win improved the Pirate's record to 20-0 and 2-0 in Region 16 play.
Camden Bennett was the standout for North Central, delivering an electrifying 21-point performance on 7-of-11 shooting, including three made three-pointers. Bennett also showcased his versatility with six rebounds, six assists, and three steals, leading his team on both ends of the court.
Jon Carroll dominated inside for North Central, scoring 16 points on an efficient 7-of-10 shooting while pulling down eight rebounds. His ability to finish near the rim was key in maintaining their offensive rhythm. Tyler King also made his mark, adding 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting, including two from beyond the arc, and contributing three rebounds and two steals. His balanced play provided the team with much-needed consistency.
Off the bench, Mikey Thomas provided a spark, scoring nine points, highlighted by two three-pointers, and going a perfect 3-for-3 from the free-throw line. Za'Corrie Kerr also gave the reserves a lift with six points and a perfect trip to the charity stripe, further showcasing the team's depth.
On the defensive end, the team's effort was evident. North Central tallied seven steals and limited turnovers to just 10, which allowed them to capitalize on their offensive opportunities. Their strong shooting from the floor, hitting 56.4% overall and 36% from three-point range, was a stark contrast to St. Louis Community College's struggles.
St. Louis Community College had a tough night offensively, shooting just 39.1% from the field and an abysmal 7.7% from three-point range. Darric Smith was a bright spot for St. Louis, scoring a game-high 22 points while also leading his team with seven rebounds. However, his efforts weren't enough to overcome the team's shooting woes and turnovers.
Justin Barsh added 12 points for St. Louis on 6-of-10 shooting, but the rest of the starting lineup struggled to make an impact. The reserves didn't fare much better, with limited scoring contributions outside of a few free throws.
Ultimately, North Central Missouri College's efficient shooting, unselfish ball movement with 16 assists, and defensive pressure overwhelmed St. Louis Community College, securing an 86-57 victory.
