Northwest Mississippi women’s basketball wins Region 23 title with 60-55 victory over Pearl River

POPLARVILLE, Miss. — The Northwest Mississippi Community College women’s basketball team defeated Pearl River 60-55 to win the Region 23 Championship Saturday night.

Northwest, with a 23-8 record, built an early lead and held off a late rally by Pearl River. The Rangers opened the game on a 7-2 run and led 17-9 after the first quarter. Despite a shoulder injury, sophomore guard Layla Hampton scored eight points in the opening period.

Pearl River trimmed the deficit in the second quarter, outscoring Northwest 14-12. The Wildcats also forced six turnovers, but Northwest maintained a 29-23 halftime lead. Pearl River responded in the third quarter with a 10-0 run, taking a 43-39 advantage into the final period.

Northwest regained momentum early in the fourth quarter, outscoring Pearl River 10-5 in the opening minutes. The teams exchanged leads multiple times, but the Rangers outscored the Wildcats 21-12 in the final quarter. Despite foul trouble for starters Dekyra Mitchell and Takera Bland, Northwest held on to secure the win.

Statistically, the teams were evenly matched, but Northwest excelled at the free throw line, making 18 of 23 attempts while limiting Pearl River to nine free throws. Bland led all scorers with 17 points and added 12 rebounds. Hampton scored 15 points, and Story contributed 11 points and six rebounds, playing through her shoulder injury.

Defensively, Northwest held Pearl River to 31.9% shooting and forced 16 turnovers. The victory earns the Rangers their first trip to the NJCAA Division I Women’s National Championship Tournament since 2005. They will begin play on March 24 and await their opponent’s draw.

“Don’t go against us,” said Story. “We’re not done.” The team plans to practice over the next two weeks as they prepare for the national tournament, according to team officials.

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