Women's Basketball Finishes Historic Season in First Round of National Tournament

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By SW Kansas News Reports

Mar 28, 2023

Dodge City women's basketball capped their season in the first round of the NJCAA Division I National Tournament falling 48-38 to New Mexico.

The Conquistadors with the loss finish the season 29-4 accomplishing several things during the season as they earned a trip to the National Tournament for the first time in school history, won the KJCCC title for the first time since 1987-88, broke the school record for total wins and KJCCC wins in a single season, and had the longest win streak in school history at 22-straight games.

It was a sluggish start to the contest and both teams would struggle to shoot throughout the contest. After taking an early 3-2 lead the Conqs saw New Mexico snare the lead and hold a 10-5 advantage at the end of the first quarter. After cutting the deficit to one in the second quarter New Mexico would mount a late 6-0 run in the first half and ultimately the Thunderbirds took a 21-17 lead into halftime. The start of the second half saw the best stretch of offense for the Conqs as they went on a 7-0 run over the first four-plus minutes to grab a 24-21 lead. But New Mexico would through a counter punch with a run and finished the third quarter outscoring the Conqs 13-4 to lead 34-28. The lead sneaked up to double figures in the fourth quarter and the Conqs were unable to make a run falling 48-38 to end their season in the first round of the NJCAA DI National Tournament.

The Conqs shot just 30.2% from the floor and only 4-24 from three-point range with 19 turnovers, while the Conqs defense did keep New Mexico in check as they shot just 28.6% and 2-13 from three-point range.

In the loss, Leah Mafua finished with 10 points on 4-8 shooting with six rebounds, while Jada Burton finished with eight points, 10 rebounds, and three assists. Bree Stephens chipped in eight points and four rebounds.

Year two under Head Coach, Landon Steele finished with the Conqs finishing 29-4 on the season putting together a historic season in school history with records in wins, a KJCCC title, and first ever National Tournament appearance.