Strong defense leads Central to women’s basketball win
MINNEAPOLIS, MINN.- In its last game of the 2024 calendar year the Central College women’s basketball team secured a 57-40 victory over North Central University (Minn.).
The Dutch held North Central (0-10) to 26% shooting from the field and 12.5% shooting from behind the three-point line. The squad also collected 12 steals, four blocks, and forced 18 turnovers.
“We played a great game defensively,” said coach Justin Weiland. “Our ball pressure was great which was a focus coming into the game. We were very disciplined today as well pressuring hard without fouling which was good to see.”
Abby Johnson (senior, Ankeny) and Kaitlyn Mumm (sophomore, Waukee, Des Moines Christian HS) led the team with nine points. Johnson shot 3-9 from the field while also adding three rebounds, one assist and one steal. Mumm shot 4-11 from the floor and collected five rebounds with two being offensive rebounds.
Seniors Hannah Dau (Paullina, South O’Brien HS) and Gabby Moore (Waterloo, West HS) both scored eight points and made two three-pointers.
“Dau was a +27 on the court today playing fantastic defense and it was one of her best games for us,” said Weiland.
Emily Naughton (sophomore, Indianola) scored six points while also leading the team with five assists. She also had three rebounds, one steal and one block. Jasmyn Williams (junior, Denver, Colo., Arvada West HS) scored four points, while also having three rebounds, two assists and two steals.
“Williams had a good game for us off the bench,” Weiland said. “She was strong offensively as well as defensively while also leading our guards who rebounded well as a unit.”
CeCe Moore (sophomore, Waterloo, West HS) scored five points but added seven rebounds, two assists, one steal and three blocks.
As a team Central shot 40.7% from the field and 31.8% from three. The team never trailed in the game and in the fourth quarter shot 53.8% from the field and 57.1% from behind the three-point line.
“We had much better flow and rhythm to our offense,” said Weiland. “We got easy looks in transition and while playing aggressively we passed the ball well. We have to continue to play together and make the right passes, but it was nice to see the ball go through the net.”
The Dutch return to the court in 2025 when they travel to Millikin University (Ill.) January 1 and play at 3 p.m.
