Lady Chargers roll to opening round win in NJCAA national tournament

Coach Brandan Harrell knew the tough schedule early  in the season could pay big dividends down the road come conference and national tournament time. That was just the case as the Lady Chargers continued their winning ways getting a 72-53 win over the Lady Pronghorns of Gillette Community College in the first round of the NJCAA  D1 National Women's Basketball Tournament in Lubbock, Texas.

Both teams came  out of the gate with a fast start, both shooting the ball very well in the first period matching shot for shot . The Lady Pronghorns had their first 12 points all from the 3 point arc. GHC's defense stifled Gillette towards the end of the first period with GHC extending their lead to 14, 29-15 after the first period and to 17 at the half, 47-30. 

To start the 3rd period the Lady Chargers defensive was impressive shutting down the Lady Pronghorns throughout the period." The 3rd period was huge for us, we held them to 3 points , that was a great defensive effort today, said Lady Charger Head Coach Brandan Harrell. 

GHC had three players in double digits, led by Kayla Carter with 15 points and 3 rebounds, Deana Blankinship with 14 points and 5 rebounds, and Pam Diokpara with 11 points and 8 rebounds off the bench.

"All of our regulars did their job today, but what a game by Pam Diokpara, she came off the bench and played some quality minutes and made the most of her time. What a time for her to put together a great game,"

The Lady Chargers (26-9)  can't enjoy their first National Tournament victory long, up next the #1 ranked Gulf Coast Community College on Tuesdayat 3:00pm EST