February 10, 2025

Spartans sting Graceland University JV with comeback win

By JARED LARSON

Cassidy Nelson, a freshman from Lenox that plays guard for Southwestern Community College, puts up a 3-point basket against Graceland University JV. Nelson finished the game with five 3-pointers, including three in the second half. (JARED LARSON)

LAMONI – Graceland might have had the upper hand in the first quarter, as not only did the Yellowjackets hit back-to-back 3 point baskets to open the game, they led 25-12 after the first quarter.

“We just weren’t taking care of business,” Spartan head coach Bryan Austin said. “One of the girls was hot and that’s part of basketball and that happens. She hit some big shots for them. We amped up defensively.”

However, the Spartans eventually got past the Graceland defense and won 73-60.

Southwestern went on a 9-3 run to open the second quarter, but the Yellowjackets expanded their lead to 34-28 with three minutes to go in the first half.

In the final three minutes of the half, the Spartans only scored three points, which had them trail 34-31 at halftime.

The Yellowjackets called their first timeout with 6:02 remaining in the third quarter, and their lead was 40-39.

SWCC freshman Cassidy Nelson, of Lenox, hit her first 3-point basket of the second half with 4:30 remaining in the third quarter which gave the Spartans their first lead, 42-41.

“She’s just a great player,” Austin said.

Alyssa Morris hit two free throws and then Nelson did the same to put Southwestern up 48-45 with 90 seconds remaining in the penultimate quarter.

The Spartans led 50-47 after three quarters.

Nelson opened the final quarter with a 3-point basket.

“She’s very tough,” Austin added. “She missed out early on with preseason stuff, she’s in the military and she’s come in and just worked her tail off and today was just a product of that, we are so excited to have her.”

Morris connected on another pair of free throws which put the Spartans up eight points.

Hannah Smith hit a 3-point basket and Natalie Bochenek added a fast break layup which made the scoreline 69-56 with 100 seconds left in the game.

Morris finalized the Spartan scoring tally of 73 with two more free throws and a put back jumper.

Southwestern travels to Kansas City, Mo., on Saturday to face off against Metropolitan Community College (2-3).

“They’re a tough team, they’ve got some height and they try to get up and down,” Austin said. “That’s a style we like to play, Graceland wanted to slow us down in the zone, but if we get up and down like we want to, then we should be able to take care of business hopefully.

Tip is scheduled for 1 p.m.

Stats were not available by press time.