BY ROSS THEDE, Times Republican

ESTHERVILLE — Jada Thompson scored a game-high 13 points to lead the North Platte women's basketball team past Marshalltown Community College 55-33 in Saturday's Iowa Lakes Classic.

The Knights (2-0) led 15-2 after the opening quarter and 32-11 at the half on their way to the win.

Madison Cheleen added 10 points and Dezirae Gonzales had nine more for North Platte.

The MCC women were paced by Destin Sao-Martinez with 12 points. Shenell Steart finished with eight points and Nunu Johnson added six points, but the Tigers (1-1) couldn't overcome a slow start. MCC shot 9-for-20 at the free-throw line as well.

"I'm really happy to get out of our first weekend with a win," said second-year head coach Dylan Longley. "I saw a lot of good things we can work on moving forward."

The Tigers return to action on Saturday, Nov. 9, with a 1 p.m. home game against the College of DuPage.

For more coverage of MCC Athletics, click here: https://www.timesrepublican.com/sports/local-sports/2024/11/mcc-men-upset-lakers-in-opener/