NWC News Desk

Trapper Women Drop Two Games

Posted January 19, 2017
By Trapper Athletics

BREANNE THIEL Tribune Sports Writer
Courtesy of the Powell Tribune

Double-Double For McManamen

A double-double from freshman Dani McManamen wasn’t enough to push the Northwest College women’s basketball team to victory on Saturday, as they fell to Gillette College. That followed a Thursday loss to Casper College. 

Against Gillette College, Northwest trailed 41-21 at halftime before fighting back — outscoring Gillette in the second half by four points to wind up with a 74-58 loss. 

“I was pleased with the girls’ effort towards the second half, to come back,” said Northwest women’s basketball head coach Janis Beal. 

Beal was particularly pleased with McManamen’s effort, which resulted in 18 points, 10 rebounds and a team-best four assists.

“(I) thought Dani played very well tonight,” said Beal. “Being aggressive, attacking the basket, with rebounds too.”

Domenica Gomes and Jessica Lohrenz each scored seven points each while Gomes, Lohrenz, Julynne Silva and Alexi Payne each had three rebounds to trail McManamen.

“I think too many times we had the, ‘Watch — Dani’s doing well, so let Dani do it tonight,’” said Beal “And we need to play a little more team-ball aggressive with everybody.” 

As a team, the Trappers shot 39.1 percent on 2-point shots, 16.7 percent on 3-point shots and 66.7 percent from the free throw line.

For McManamen, she shot 4-of-6 from the floor and 10- of-11 from the free throw line. For the season, McManamen is shooting 94 percent at the free throw line. 

Gillette College shot 44.8 percent from the 2-point line, 40 percent from 3-point line and 63.6 percent from the free throw line. 

Saturday’s loss at home came after dropping a 68-57 game to Casper College on the road. 

Beal said both games were kind of similar. 

“We beat both teams in the second half, but we dig ourselves in the first half,” said Beal. “I think our biggest thing in both was turnovers early on.” 

Against Gillette College, Northwest turned the ball over 25 times — including 18 turnovers in the first half. That helped Gillette get twice as many shots as the Trappers. 

“So turnovers were huge,” Beal said. 

Against Casper College, Northwest had 22 turnovers to Casper College’s 11. 

“We gave them 19 offensive rebounds,” said Beal. “So between second chance points and points off turnovers, they got 45 of their points.” 

“Just looking at those two stats right there, their converting the turnover and anytime they got that rebound it was a put back,” the coach added.

The Thunderbirds outscored the Trappers 23-11 in the second quarter to go up 39-26 at the half.

“Every team in our region is a good team right now, and each night you can’t dig yourself a 15-20 point hole to dig yourself out of every time. You’re not going to be able to come back from it,” said Beal, adding, “We have it in us, but we need to understand and value every possession, I think.” 

Casper College shot 38.4 percent from 2-point shots, 16 percent on 3-point shots and 57.1 percent at the free throw line. Northwest shot 44 percent from 2-point shots, 10 percent from 3-point shots and 66.7 percent at the free throw line. 

Three Northwest players scored in double digits: Dallas Petties led with 14, Silva had 13 and Lohrenz had 11. Petties also went 8 for 13 at the free throw line and had a team-best six rebounds. 

Next up for the Lady Trappers is a home game against Miles Community College on Saturday at 2 p.m.