GOODMAN - Despite a 29-point outing from Mariah Reed-Jones, Northwest hung around but was unable to top Holmes on Thursday evening, falling 80-73.

Holmes dropped the Lady Rangers to 2-1 on the season, as the Lady Bulldogs shot 54 percent from the floor. Northwest finished the evening shooting 36 percent, including a 21 percent clip from three-point range.

Holmes led the Lady Rangers by a slim 13-12 margin midway through the first quarter, but the Lady Bulldogs closed out the quarter on a small 7-3 run, taking a 20-15 lead.

Both defenses locked down to open the second quarter and Northwest eventually pulled within two. However, Holmes never surrendered the lead and led 38-32 at the break.

Holmes flirted with a double-figure lead for most of the second half, but the Lady Rangers remained just close enough to stick around. Northwest even closed out the third quarter on a 10-6 run, but still trailed the Lady Bulldogs by a 59-52 margin entering the fourth quarter.

Although Holmes took a 13-point lead with six minutes left in regulation, the Lady Rangers slowly chipped away at the lead, pulling within two. However, the Lady Bulldogs were ultimately able to wrap up the victory down the stretch.

In addition to her 29 points, Reed-Jones also led Northwest in rebounds, finishing with seven. Reigning MACCC Player of the Week Alorian Story also contributed 15 points, followed by 12 from Aaliyah Taylor.

Holmes outscored the Lady Rangers, 21-8, in bench points. Nevaeh Craft was the leading scorer for the Lady Bulldogs, netting 24 points and six steals. Amanda Walker and Satiya Johnson also reached double figures, scoring 12 and 11 points, respectively. 

Kiara Shelly also led Holmes with 11 rebounds off the bench, while adding seven points.

Next up for Northwest will be the 2024-25 home-opener, scheduled for Monday, November 11 against Bishop State. Tip-off is slated for 5:30 P.M. with live broadcast coverage on Ranger TV. Read Full Article