By Nathan DeHaan
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The Parkland women’s basketball team got a huge win on Wednesday night, beating the reigning national champions, Lake Land College, 87-57 in a rematch of last years’ NJCAA Semifinals. Four different Cobras finished in double figures including a season-high 28 from sophomore transfer Sarah Isaf. Wednesday’s game was Parkland’s second game in three days and their first win against a ranked opponent.
The Cobras (12-3) could not have asked for a better start against the defending champions, jumping out to a 21-0 lead on the back of great defense and rebounding. The Lakers (15-6) caught a break at the very end of the quarter, sinking two free throws with 0 seconds left after Parkland head coach Allie Lindemann picked up a technical foul to make it 21-4 after one. The Cobras shot the ball extremely well in the second quarter, going 10-13 from the field and 4-4 from three, and stretched their lead out to 47-24 at halftime as the Cobras outrebounded the Lakers 27-8. Parkland received a big contribution off the bench from Rosh Webb in the first half. The sophomore scored 10 points to go along with three rebounds, one assist and one steal.
The Lakers began to inch their way back into the game in the third quarter, outscoring the Cobras 21-18. Lake Land’s Olivia Niemerg (15 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists) hit a three with 8:35 remaining to make it a 15-point game, but that was as close as it would get, as two technical fouls on the Lakers’ bench resulted in a 13-0 Cobras run to salt the game away. Parkland outrebounded Lake Land 44-24 as the Cobras picked up a 30-point home win over the defending national champions 87-57. Returning All-American Naomi McDaniel (19 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals) and sophomore Mady Harper (17 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals) each recorded a double-double in the win.
Statistical Overview:
Sarah Isaf: 28 points (5-10 3PT), 2 rebounds, 4 assists
Naomi McDaniel: 19 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals
Mady Harper: 17 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals
Kenzey Decker: 11 points, 3 assists, 3 steals
Rosh Webb: 10 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists
Shaelynn Bell: 2 points, 13 rebounds, 3 blocks
Up next, the Cobras continue their stretch of four straight home games this Saturday, January 29th when Spoon River comes to Champaign. Tip-off on Saturday will be at 1:00 PM.
