Iola, Ks- Neosho County Women's Basketball walked into Iola on a mission Monday night and walked out with a rivalry win.
In a gritty, four-quarter battle on the road, the Panthers edged Allen County 60–58 on February 2nd, finishing strong in the fourth quarter to seal it.
The game was tight from the opening tip. Neosho trailed 14–13 after the first quarter, then flipped momentum before halftime with a 15–12 second quarter to take a slim 28–26 lead into the break.
Allen answered in the third, outscoring the Panthers 14–10 to reclaim the lead heading into the final period.
But when it mattered most? 94 Feet of Chaos showed up.
Neosho exploded for 22 fourth-quarter points, their highest scoring period of the night, while holding Allen to 18 to close out the two-point victory.
Balanced scoring powered the Panthers.
Chloe Parker led the way with 11 points, knocking down five field goals and adding five steals in a disruptive defensive effort.
Laynie Winfrey also finished with 11 points, hitting two three-pointers and adding three rebounds
Bauke Graulus delivered a strong performance off the bench with 11 points, including 4-of-6 from the free throw line
Sophia Mireles chipped in 8 points, while
Jaida Harris controlled the glass with a team-high 7 rebounds
Ta'Neah Jones battled inside for five rebounds, and the Panthers as a team secured 36 boards in the win
Jaida Harris made her presence felt in all the ways that don't always show up loud on the scoreboard. Harris finished with 4 points and a team-high 7 rebounds, battling inside and securing key possessions in crunch time. Her work on the glass and physical defensive presence was critical in keeping Allen from getting second-chance momentum late.
Even in a physical rivalry match-up that saw both teams combine for 41 personal fouls, the Panthers stayed poised down the stretch.
On the road. In a rivalry. In a two-point game.
That's toughness. That's composure. That's The Neosho Way.
The Panthers move forward with confidence after protecting their edge in one of the most intense match-ups of the season, proving once again that when the fourth quarter hits, chaos follows.
Now 14–8 overall and 4–1 in KJCCC play, the Panthers return home Wednesday, February 4th, to host the KCK Blue Devils. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m.
