Conq women clinch share of KJCCC with win over Independence, men victorious to complete sweep
Photo courtesy of Dodge City Athletics.
DODGE CITY–No. 11 Dodge City clinched at least a share of their first KJCCC title in 35 years in a 64-55 win over Independence, while the 13th-ranked Conq men had five finish in double figures, pushing them to an 80-65 victory on Sophomore Day Saturday at the Student Activity Center.
In the women’s game, Paris Santacaterina scored a career-high 16 points on 6-of-11 shooting for Dodge City. Bree Stephens added a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds.
The Conqs trailed 18-13 at the end of the first quarter, but locked down defensively in the next 10 minutes to enter the halftime break with a two point lead. A 21-14 edge in the fourth quarter proved to be decisive, and Independence never led in the second half.
Dodge shot less than 37% in the contest and only 4-for-22 on 3-pointers. The Conqs rank fourth in the nation with nine made triples per game.
Valentina Ojeda netted 17 points to lead Independence.
Wednesday’s win marked Dodge City’s 18th consecutive victory and their first conference title since 1988.
The No. 11 Conquistadors improve to 25-2 (20-1 KJCCC) with the win and return to action Wednesday when they travel to Colby. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. CT.
In the men’s game, four of Dodge City’s starters and Jason Edwards off the bench scored in double figures in a balanced effort offensively. The Conqs were never in trouble in the second half after building a 17-point halftime advantage, and even led by as many as 23 in the second half.
Cam Malray had a double-double for Dodge with 12 points and 11 rebounds, Edwards notched 21 points, DJ Jones had 13, Jacobi Sebock scored 11, and Shawn Warrior finished with 10.
The Conqs shot 45% from the field and had one of their top 3-point shooting games, hitting 12 of their 29 attempts from distance.
Melvyn Ebonkoli led Independence with 19 points.
The No. 13 Conquistadors improve to 20-7 (16-5 KJCCC) with the win and return to action Wednesday when they travel to Colby. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CT.
