Celebratory Day Ends In A Win

Lake Michigan College Women's Basketball team started off very slow in the first quarter, but eventually got things going and cruised to a 78-48 win over Jackson College on their Sophomore Day honoring sophomores, Monae Palmer, Samantha Jenkins, and Breanna Alexander.

In was not the best first quarter for the Lady Red Hawks, who could not find the basket early in the game. Fortunately, Lake Michigan's defensive effort kept Jackson College close and mid-way through the first quarter the Lady Jets were only ahead of Lake Michigan 6-2.  Over the next four minutes, the Lady Red Hawks held Jackson College scoreless and went on a 6-0 run to take the lead 8-6.  But the Lady Jets hit a three-point shot with two seconds remaining and led 9-8 after the first quarter.

The second quarter started off just like the first quarter for Lake Michigan, with the Lady Red Hawks struggling to score on their offensive possessions and the Lady Jets extended their lead to 11-8.  But with 7:30 left in the second quarter, Lake Michigan began to increase their defensive pressure and scored on the offensive end.  For the remainder of the quarter, the Lady Red Hawks went on 20-5 run and never looked back.  Heading into halftime, Lake Michigan led Jackson College 28-16.  In the first half, Lake Michigan shot 36% (11-30) and held Jackson College to just 28% (6-21).  Lake Michigan also forced the Lady Jets to commit 15 turnovers.

In the third quarter, Lake Michigan continued their great play on both ends of the court.  Due to converting their offensive opportunities and defensive pressure on Jackson College, the Lady Red Hawks outscored the Lady Jets 27-9 and went in the final 10 minutes with a 30-point lead (55-25).

The fourth quarter saw Lake Michigan take their largest lead of the game at 35 points (61-26) with 7:56 remaining in the game after going on a quick 6-1 run. For the remainder of the last quarter, both teams traded baskets and defensive stops.  Both the Lady Red Hawks and the Lady Jets scored 23 points apiece in the final 10 minutes, and Lake Michigan secured the 78-48 win.  Lake Michigan moves to 20-5 overall and 12-2 in the Michigan Community College Athletic Association (MCCAA) Western Conference, which keeps them in a tie for first place.  The Lady Red Hawks also qualified for the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) District G Championship Tournament which begins on March 5, 2019.

After the game, Head Coach, Patrick Daniel stated "This week we played two of the top teams in conference and it was a good week for us.  To have this type of effort and team win today on Sophomore Day makes it a very special win and I am very happy and proud of how we played."

For the game, Lake Michigan shot 40% (28-70), and held Jackson College to 36% (18-49).  Lake Michigan also out rebounded the Lady Jets 47-31, including 22 offensive rebounds. As a team, Lake Michigan had 21 steals, 17 assists, six blocks and forced Jackson College to commit 32 turnovers.

Five players scored in double figures for Lake Michigan led by Monae Palmer with 17 points.  Jayla Bibbs had 15 points, followed by Taylor Cegelis with 14 points.  Samantha Jenkins added 11 points and LaChelle Knox chipped in 10 points. Bibbs also had 10 rebounds and eight steals, while Palmer dished out six assists and had two blocks.

Lake Michigan will return home on Wednesday, February 20, 2019 when they host Grand Rapids Community College with a tip off at 5:30 PM. The Red Hawks will also support the Chad Tough Foundation, with all donations made going to childhood brain cancer research.