March 11, 2024
Eagles Clinch Bid to NJCAA DII Nationals
Cedar Rapids, IA- Kirkwood clinched their record-setting 22nd NJCAA National Tournament appearance with a 75-53 victory over North Platte Saturday afternoon at Johnson Hall.
The Eagles (31-2) jumped out to an 18-3 lead midway through the first quarter & looked to be cruising to yet another national tournament appearance.
However, North Platte outscored the Eagles 17-5 in the second quarter to draw within four points at halftime 32-28.
The Knights would score the first four points of the second half to tie the game at 32-32 just :48 into the third quarter.
Kirkwood responded with a 12-0 run of their own to take a 44-32 lead with 5:17 left in the quarter.
The Eagles would lead 50-37 heading into the final quarter.
Kirkwood would score the first 10 points of the fourth quarter to take a 60-37 lead with 7:17 remaining in the game & cruise to the district championship.
Freshman Jenna Twedt led the Eagles in scoring with 24 points, while sophomore Demetria Prewitt recorded another double-double with 18 points & a game high 12 rebounds.
Sophomore Emily Dreckman added 9 points & 7 rebounds. Sophomore Kaylee Corbin, Zhakyla Evans & freshmen Ellah Kissell & Lizzy Puot all scored 6 points a piece for the Eagles.
This year's NJCAA National Tournament will take place March 18-23 at the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center on the campus of Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, MO.
