2/4/16 • By Tyler Ellyson/ tellyson@columbustelegram.com
COLUMBUS — Freshman Christina Daniels carried the Central Community College women in the first half, and Shananthia Bryant helped the Raiders finish off the Midland University JV team Thursday night at the Raider Fieldhouse.
Daniels scored all 10 of her points in the first two quarters and Bryant came alive in the second half as the Raiders posted a 69-51 victory over the Warriors.
"We didn't play our best, but we're happy with the win," Central head coach Mike Kroupa said. " ... It was a good team victory."
The Raiders, who are shooting 28 percent for the season on 3-pointers, struggled from behind the arc against Midland, hitting just 1 of 17 attempts. That trey came from sophomore Makayla Augustine, a Columbus High graduate who finished with seven points and seven rebounds.
Daniels kick-started the offense by getting to the basket early. She was 5 of 11 on 2-pointers and fueled the Raider defense by collecting seven steals.
Central, which led 31-22 at the half, used strong play at the defensive end to put the game away in the final two quarters.
"Our defensive intensity in the second half really dictated the game," said Kroupa.
The Raiders' half-court pressure forced Midland into tough shots and led to 17 Warrior turnovers.
Midland went 18 for 56 from the field, including 1 of 13 on 3-pointers, and lost the rebounding battle 59-38.
Bryant used her quickness in the post to tally a team-high 17 points on 7 of 11 shooting for Central, which shot 29 for 77 as a team but committed just eight turnovers. The Raider sophomore also grabbed eight rebounds.
Kroupa said freshman guard Kanesha Plater helped spark Central in the second half by breaking down the Midland defense and finding teammates for open shots. Plater scored six points and dished out five assists off the bench.
Freshman Teisha Snyder added 13 points on 6 of 13 shooting for Central, and sophomore Paige Higginbotham had eight points.
The Raiders (9-11) finish the regular season with six straight road games, starting with Saturday's matchup against Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs, Iowa.
"We need to really get to our best level right now," Kroupa said.
Thursday at the Raider Fieldhouse
Central Community College -- Kelsey Flaherty 2, Teisha Snyder 13, Christina Daniels 10, Shananthia Bryant 17, Makayla Augustine 7, Kanesha Plater 6, Paige Higginbotham 8, Maggie Adney 3, Cassidy Edwards 3.