The Elite Eight at the NJCAA (Junior College) Women’s National Basketball Championships in Lubbock, Texas became elimination eight as the two remaining Kiwis bowed out.
Grace Hunter and South Plains College Lady Texans along with Izzy Cook and Western Nebraska College Cougars were both defeated in the quarter-finals on Friday (NZT).
South Plains were beaten 63-54 by Northwest Florida State and Western Nebraska were downed by Three Rivers, 79-71.
Grace Hunter again displayed her all-court talents amassing a team high 17 points that included 4 from 7 three-pointers. She also led the South Plains assists column with 5 and grabbed 4 rebounds.
Grace has had a fine second year at South Plains averaging 10 points and 4 rebounds a game. It will be interesting to see if she picks up an NCAA scholarship with her consistent performances rewarded with All-Western Junior College Athletic Conference honours.
Izzy Cook once again came off the bench with good effect for Western Nebraska. Izzy snared 5 rebounds, made 2 points and dished an assist as the curtain came down on the Taranaki forward’s encouraging freshman season.
LACEY LOWDOWN 