Women's Basketball | 11/10/2026 10:22:00 PM
Chanute, KS — Strong perimeter shooting and a disruptive defensive effort helped Neosho County Community College defeat NJCAA Division I opponent Independence, 75–61, Tuesday evening in the Panthers' home opener.
Neosho knocked down 11 three-pointers and collected 18 steals, using a balanced offensive attack to earn the victory over the visiting Pirates.
After the teams finished the first quarter tied at 17, the Panthers created separation in the second period. Neosho outscored Independence 21–13 to take a 38–30 halftime lead, then extended that advantage with a 20–14 third quarter. The Panthers' lead reached 18 in the fourth as they finished off the win.
Laynie Winfrey led Neosho with 17 points, connecting on five of seven attempts from beyond the arc.
Sophia Mireles delivered a strong all-around performance with 16 points, five assists, three rebounds, and two steals, while shooting 6 of 11 from the floor.
Avery Valentine provided another perimeter spark, scoring 13 points and making all three of her three-point attempts.
Dagmara Kacprazak added 11 points and three steals, giving the Panthers four players in double figures.
Shu'nydeya Whitehead contributed eight points and a team-high six rebounds.
Jersi Benisch added five points and led Neosho with four steals, while
Ta'Neah Jones and
Jessica Houston each pulled down five rebounds.
The Panthers shot 41.7 percent from the field and 40.7 percent from three-point range. Defensively, Neosho limited Independence to 30.6 percent shooting and just two three-pointers in 11 attempts. The Pirates committed 29 turnovers, and the Panthers finished with a 50–47 rebounding advantage.
Neosho now heads to Fort Dodge, Iowa, for the Iowa Central Classic. The Panthers will face Central Nebraska Community College on Saturday, Nov. 14, at 3 p.m., followed by a matchup with host Iowa Central Community College on Sunday, Nov. 15, at 1 p.m.
