Lady Magic lose first game of NJCAA Tournament, look to place seventh
By: Spencer Gleason
– Sports Editor –
The lady Magic fell to Johnson County Community College on Wednesday afternoon in the first round of the NJCAA Women’s Division II Championship in Peoria, Ill., 58-36.
Johnson County, which was ranked number one nationally for much of the season, was held to only four points, by the Magic, through the first ten minutes of the first half.
However, the Magic were unable get anything to fall in the basket on the offensive side of the ball. They remained scoreless until TeTe Johnson dropped the first bucket to make the score 4-2.
The Magic tied the game at 11 apiece later in the first half, but never gained much momentum afterward.
“Our kids’ lack of experience at a big tournament like this showed today,” said head coach Shelly Ethridge. “But we were going up against a team that was ranked number one all season long. We knew it was going to be a tough game for us, but we also realize that we are at the national tournament and we’re representing STLCC as well as Region 16, so they’ll be ready for tomorrow.”
In the double elimination tournament the best finish for the lady Magic now is third. On Thursday, the Magic will face Delta College on their quest for a bronze medal. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m.
Regardless of the outcome on the court, the 2010-2011 lady Magic have given their fans numerous memories to celebrate this season.
“[The Magic] have done outstandingly well,” said George White, uncle of Magic ball player Raven Cockwell. “I even told Raven that I was thrilled just to be able to attend the games and watch them do what they did this year.”
