Senatobia, MS – February 10, 2025 – The East Central Community College women's basketball team delivered a strong performance on the road, defeating Northwest Mississippi 64-53 to earn their first MACCC conference victory.
Game Recap
East Central (5-13, 1-7 MACCC) set the tone early, jumping out to a 19-10 lead in the first quarter and maintaining control for much of the game. The Warriors' defense kept Northwest Mississippi (8-11, 4-5 MACCC) in check, holding them to just 33.8% shooting from the field and a tough 0-for-17 from three-point range.
Leading the charge for East Central was Mikayla Holifield, who posted a game-high 22 points and 8 rebounds while shooting 8-of-16 from the floor. Kelviana Parhm and Alexia Johnson provided crucial contributions off the bench, each scoring 10 points. Erica Lyons added 9 points and 3 steals, while Ruby Brannon controlled the pace with solid defense.
Key Moments
- East Central dominated the first quarter with a 19-10 advantage, setting the tone early.
- Despite a push from Northwest in the second quarter, the Warriors held a 29-24 halftime lead.
- A strong 16-11 third quarter extended East Central's lead, and they never looked back, outscoring Northwest again in the fourth to seal the win.
Team Stats:
- Field Goal Percentage: East Central – 38.6%, Northwest – 33.8%
- Three-Point Shooting: East Central – 33.3% (3-9), Northwest – 0% (0-17)
- Free Throws: East Central – 81.0% (17-21), Northwest – 36.8% (7-19)
- Rebounds: East Central – 43, Northwest – 44
- Points Off Turnovers: East Central – 18, Northwest – 14
- Bench Points: East Central – 24, Northwest – 7
Coach's Take
After the game, East Central's head coach praised the team's effort:
"We played with intensity from start to finish. Our defense set the tone, and we knocked down big shots when needed. This was a great team win on the road."
Looking Ahead
With this win, the Warriors improved to 5-13 overall and 1-7 in MACCC play. They will look to build momentum as they prepare for their next conference matchup.