NWC women pick up winNorthwest College scored the first 19 points of the game and also had a 13-0 first-half run to overwhelm a collection of former Trapper players by a 92-40 count on Saturday. The win elevates Northwest College's season record to a mark of 3-3 this season. “It was good to have a game where we came out and shot the ball well,” said NWC head coach Janis Beal. “We've kind of struggled in that area lately, so hopefully this is the game that kind of jump starts us in that regard."

“We'll take that any day,” Beal said of the turnover-free first half. “That's definitely a way to go.”

As impressive as the Trapper women were on the offensive end of the floor, the team's defensive effort in the first half was equally admirable. The Trappers held their All-Star counterparts to below 20 percent shooting.

“The big difference from last year to this year is we were able to get out to a lead early,” said Beal. “Last year, we weren't able and it was like a 10-point game I think.”

While the two sides played the second half on more equal terms, the Trappers' lead never sagged below the 40-point halftime margin. The disparity gave Beal plenty of chances to play her bench as every member of the squad saw at least 12 minutes of playing time in the game. All 11 NWC players to enter the game scored points in the win.

Valerie Lesu came off the bench to knock down 15 points to lead Northwest College. Dariana Santos (12), Layana de Souza (12) and Mariah Duran (11) also finished in double figures in the win.

“All four of those players came off the bench to finish with those totals,” Beal noted. “It's a lot of fun when you're able to play everyone and everyone is able to get in the scoring column. It was a total team effort for us.”

Santos also led the way with eight rebounds as the Trappers held a plus-13 advantage on the rebounding glass. Meagan Butler handed out five assists.

Katie (Brown) Knight paced the NWC All-Stars with a game-high 17 points, leading all scorers.

Northwest College returns to the hardwood this Friday and Saturday in Salt Lake City. The Trappers face the College of Eastern Utah on Friday. The team faces the host Salt Lake Community College squad on Saturday. The Trappers dropped a 96-72 decision to SLCC two weeks ago.

“Eastern Utah will look to attack us off the dribble,” said Beal. “We're going to have to focus on moving our feet and staying in position on defense. As for SLCC, the key there will be getting off to a better start. We can't spot them the sort of first-half lead they got when we played them the first time.”

The next home action for Northwest College will be Dec. 3, when the team faces the Eastern Idaho All-Stars as part of the Big Horn Federal Shootout. That game will also mark the start of a four-game home stand for the Trappers.

Northwest 92, NWC All-Stars 40