Submitted

The 13th ranked NCMC Lady Pirates took a pair of losses over the weekend in the Johnson County CC Classic, an event that featured a pair of ranked opponents to test NCMC. On Friday, North Central came out on the short end of a 70-60 final score with 22nd ranked Des Moines Area CC. Saturday, host and #1 ranked Johnson County CC dealt the Lady Pirates a 77-44 defeat. The team will look to rebound on Wednesday when they hit the road to take on 10th ranked Allen County CC.

DMACC 70, NCMC 60

NCMC put together a gritty team effort on Friday night, with multiple Lady Pirates making key contributions in the 10-point loss. Sophomore Sidney Aeschliman provided an early spark, knocking down a pair of threes on her way to 10 points in just 18 minutes. Fellow guard Tailer Morrison was highly efficient around the rim, finishing 4-of-5 from the field to also reach 10 points while adding six rebounds.

In the frontcourt, Liz Oliver turned in a solid performance, tallying 9 points, a team-high 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and a block. Honor Mannings anchored the glass as well, collecting 8 rebounds to go with 8 points and a steal.

Freshman Laney Uchtman delivered an energetic lift off the bench, going a perfect 3-for-3 for 6 points, while Peyton Johnson added 7 points on 2-of-3 shooting from deep. Keylie Beane chipped in a steady 4 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists, and Addilyn Henke and Delaney Richards combined for 6 more off the bench.

The Pirates outrebounded the Bears 41–37 and knocked down six triples, staying within striking distance throughout the night before DMACC held on late.

JCCC 77, NCMC 44

North Central battled throughout the afternoon but couldn’t overcome a hot-shooting top-ranked Johnson County squad, falling 77–44 on the road Saturday. The Lady Pirates saw several players step up off the bench while the starters worked to keep pace on the glass and defensively.

Laney Uchtman delivered one of NCMC’s most efficient outings of the day, scoring 9 points on 4-of-6 shooting while adding two rebounds. Lexi Burns provided another bright spot, going a perfect 3-for-3 from the field and 2-for-2 at the line to finish with 8 points.

Peyton Johnson gave NCMC an offensive spark from deep, knocking down two threes and finishing with 6 points, while Addilyn Henke added 5 points and three rebounds in her 18 minutes.

Among the starters, Sidney Aeschliman tallied 5 points, including a made three, and collected a steal. Liz Oliver continued her steady presence on the boards, pulling down 5 rebounds to go with 5 points. A’nyah Ivory and Delaney Richards each chipped in 4 rebounds, with Richards also leading the team in assists with four.

Despite shooting struggles, NCMC showed grit defensively, forcing 11 Cavalier turnovers and competing on the offensive glass, where the Lady Pirates grabbed eight offensive rebounds.