Women’s Basketball 2011-12 Archives

Sudan Saunders Named to NJCAA Basketball All-America Team

MCC sophomore Sudan Saunders (Grand Rapids, MI/Catholic Central) has been named a National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II Women’s Basketball Third Team All-American.

The 5-10 guard/forward averaged 21.6 points, 11 rebounds, and two assists and two steals per game for the 21-6 Jayhawks, who advanced to the NJCAA Region XII championship game in 2011-12.

Saunders, the team’s MVP, was an All-Region XII and All-Michigan Community College Athletic Association selection, having also been voted to the NJCAA District G All-Tournament Team.

“Sudan has been recruited by a number of Division I and Division II schools,” said MCC Head Coach Ron Jenkins, who listed Texas Southern, Weber State, the University of Vermont and Ferris State among the suitors.

“Sudan brings an excitement to the game,” continued Jenkins. “She has been an excellent student-athlete representing us well in the classroom and on the court. She has a desire for leadership. She has always told us that she just wanted to win. She’s a dominant player, one of the best all-around players I have coached. She can play multiple positions. She wants the ball because she knows she can score and she’s a great rebounder, too.”

Saunders becomes the first Jayhawk women’s basketball All-American since the 2009-10 season, when guard Whitney Davis landed a spot on the second team.

 

Lake Michigan CC Defeats MCC Women 79-70 in Regional Title Game

Facing their second nationally ranked team in as many nights, the MCC women fell 79-70 to 17th ranked Lake Michigan College in the NJCAA Region 12 championship game Saturday evening on the campus of Ancilla College in Donaldson, IN.

Falling behind 21-2 at game’s start, the Jayhawks mounted a remarkable first half comeback and took a 40-37 into the locker room at halftime.

MCC’s Jazmyne Good (Windsor, ONT/John Forster), the national leader in steals, “pumped up the team” with her tenacious play, said Jayhawks Assistant Coach Sandra Bush.

In the second half, MCC cut the lead to 74-70 with 1:30 left, but was forced to foul. Lake Michigan hit the free throws down the stretch.

Sudan Saunders (Grand Rapids, MI/Catholic Central) also was a key factor for the Jayhawks, finishing with a double-double: 17 points and 10 rebounds. Hitting some crucial baskets, point guard Chasadie Thornton (Muskegon, MI/Mona Shores) successfully ran the offense all night and finished with 10 points and five assists. Good led all MCC scorers with 26 points.

Reflecting upon the season, Assistant Coach Bush noted, “I thought the ladies played well together. There were some slow periods of adjustments throughout the season, however they jelled together as a team and made a run.”

Thornton and Saunders were first team all-tournament selections. Good was an honorable mention. MCC finished the season with a 21-11 record. Lake Michigan improves its overall mark to 27-4.

Women Upset No. 3 Kalamazoo Valley CC 59-50; Face Lake Michigan for Regional Title Saturday

In a stunning upset of nationally third-ranked Kalamazoo Valley CC, the MCC women’s basketball team posted a 59-50 victory on Friday night in Donaldson, Ind., and will now face 17th ranked Lake Michigan CC on Saturday afternoon in the NJCAA Region 12 championship game.

MCC Coach Ron Jenkins devised a game plan that forced KVCC, which brought a 28-1 record into the contest, out of the offensive paint and attempting long range shots. The gambit worked. Neither team led by more than a handful of points throughout before MCC pulled away down the stretch.

“We told everybody to leave it all on the floor,” said Assistant Coach Sandra Bush, adding that the MCC players responded to the challenge.

Now 21-10 overall, MCC was led by Sudan Saunders (Grand Rapids, MI/Catholic Central) with 19 points and 18 rebounds. Lindsey Burnside (Spring Lake, MI/Grand Haven) and Coiya Wiley (Flint, MI/Southwestern) both scored 18 points, while Samantha Zimmer (Muskegon, MI/Oakridge) brought down 12 caroms. MCC floor general Chasadie Thornton (Muskegon, MI/Mona Shores) doled out six assists against just two turnovers.

Women’s Basketball Beats Lansing CC; Advances to Regional Semifinal Friday

The MCC women’s basketball team advanced to the NJCAA Region 12 semifinals with an 80-68 victory over Lansing CC on Tuesday night in Bartels-Rode Gymnasium.

Now 20-10 overall, the Jayhawks will play Kalamazoo Valley CC on Friday in the semis being hosted at Ancilla College in Indiana.

Against LCC, MCC was led by Sudan Saunders (Grand Rapids, MI/Catholic Central) with 30 points and 11 rebounds. She scored nine points early as MCC took a 16-2 lead after five minutes of play. The hosts held a 26-7 margin midway through the half before Lansing CC went on its own 15-2 run in the ensuing five minutes, trimming the Jayhawks’ lead to 28-22.

MCC withstood the challenge and opened a 37-28 lead at intermission The Jayhawks kept its lead at 10 points through most of the second half. Jazmyne Good (Windsor, ONT/Forster), who had 18 points, and Samantha Zimmer (Muskegon, MI/Oakridge) with 10 points and 10 rebounds helped MCC control play. Lindsey Burnside (Spring Lake, MI/Grand Haven) was tenacious under the baskets and grabbed 10 boards.

Lansing pulled to within 69-66 with 2:00 to go in the contest, but could not stop MCC’s Saunders and Good who provided all the points the Jayhawks would need in the waning minutes.

“One of the things we stress is to stick to our game plan and play together as a unit,” said MCC Coach Ron Jenkins. “We knew that Lansing is a team that plays in spurts. They went into that zone defense and made us move the ball differently. We put in our reserves to give ourselves a breather and Lansing capitalized on that. They got a little bit of momentum.

“We were relaxed about the game because we knew we could turn it on and off. I wanted a little bit more on. But I was proud that we stayed focused and were able to regroup. Sudan had an awesome game. I think we played very strong defensively today. To get to the final four of the regionals is quite an accomplishment.”

MCC Women Down Glen Oaks 81-49 to Clinch Home Court in Playoff Opener

The MCC women’s basketball team clinched a home game in the upcoming league playoff opener after defeating Glen Oaks CC 81-49 on Saturday afternoon in Bartels-Rode Gymnasium.

The Jayhawks finished the regular season with a 19-10 over all record and in fourth place in the league with a 9-7 mark.

“We played extremely well,” said MCC Coach Ron Jenkins. “We were trying to make sure that we had home court advantage in the playoffs on March 5 and we did that. We only had four turnovers and made 18 assists.”

Many Jayhawks contributed to the victory. Coiya Wiley (Flint, MI/Southwestern) had 16 points and 13 rebounds. Sudan Saunders (Grand Rapids, MI/Catholic Central) had 27 points, 10 rebounds and four steals. Samantha Zimmer (Muskegon, MI/Oakridge) added 10 rebounds and Chasadie Thornton (Muskegon, MI/Mona Shores) had four assists.

MCC shot 49 percent from the field and 79 percent from the line. Glen Oaks fell to 2-13 in the conference and 5-23 overall.

MCC Women Hold Off Kellogg CC 65-61

In a tight played contest, the MCC women’s basketball squad held off a late game rally by tenacious host Kellogg CC for a 65-61 win on Wednesday night in Battle Creek, Mich.

MCC’s Jazmyne Good (Windsor, ONT/John Forster) scored a team-high 23 points, while teammate Sudan Saunders (Grand Rapids, MI/Catholic Central) added 12 points. Coiya Wiley (Flint, MI/Southwestern) had five steals and teammates Lindsey Burnside (Spring Lake, MI/Grand Haven) and Samantha Zimmer (Muskegon, MI/Reeths Puffer) each grabbed 10 rebounds for the Jayhawks, who are now 8-7 in the conference and 18-10 overall.

“The game was really kind of tense,” said MCC Assistant Coach Sandra Bush. “Kellogg is battling for the seventh seed. They match up better against us than any of the other teams in the league.”

MCC closes out the regular season at home Saturday at 1 p.m. against Glen Oaks CC in Bartels-Rode Gymnasium.

MCC Women Defeat Grand Rapids CC 66-54

The visiting Grand Rapids CC women’s basketball squad was unable to stop MCC’s Sudan Saunders (Grand Rapids, MI/Catholic Central) who scored 32 points while shooting 68 percent from the floor in the Jayhawks’ 66-54 victory on Friday night in Bartels-Rode Gymnasium.

MCC, which never trailed in the game, opened its widest margin of the first half with its 36-26 lead at intermission. Saunders netted 16 points in both halves, while Samantha Zimmer (Muskegon, MI/Reeths-Puffer) scored her 10 points in the initial half, including a game-opening three-pointer.

“Sam had an awesome game,” said MCC Coach Ron Jenkins, whose plan included attacking GRCC inside the paint. “She played confidently and it showed. She told me before the game that she was going to make her first shot. “

Zimmer grabbed a team-high 12 rebounds and Lindsey Burnside (Spring Lake, MI/Grand Haven) hauled down another 10 caroms.

MCC opened a 14-point lead early in the second half, but GRCC made a 19-7 run to close within 51-49 at the 7:30 mark. The Jayhawks responded with their own 14-3 run to cruise to the victory. Chasadie Thornton (Muskegon, MI/Mona Shores) had seven assist and five steals while directing the MCC offense.

“She settling down and doing the things we want her to do at this point in the season,” said Jenkins.”We’re seeing some positive things as a team. We still have some things to work on but we’re taking it one game at a time as we move toward the regionals.”

No. 3 Kalamazoo Valley Beats MCC Women 78-60

The MCC women’s basketball squad kept pace in the first half with third-ranked Kalamazoo Valley but was held to 28 second half points in a 78-60 loss Wednesday night at Bartels-Rose Gymnasium.

“They capitalized in the second half on small things,” said MCC Coach Ron Jenkins. “That’s what good teams do. It shows why Kalamazoo is in first place right now. They do the right things at the right time. Our biggest foe right now is that we are fouling too much. Anytime you foul 90 feet away from the basket, something is wrong. The whole team suffers from the lack of discipline defensively. We have really good game plans. When we follow our game plan, we play good. When we get away from our game plan by fouling, it’s hard to win games.”

Now 23-1 overall and near the top the MCCAA with their 11-1 mark, the Cougars were led by their 6-1 center Kendra Cook with 24 points and forward Jennifer Lofts with 21. MCC’s offensive standouts, Sudan Saunders (Grand Rapids, MI/Catholic Central) and Jazmyne Good (Windsor, ONT/John Forster) were hampered by early fouls. Good finished with 17 points, while Saunders, limited to six minutes of play with a trio of fouls in the first half, fouled out with 12 points.

Jayhawks guard Chasadie Thornton (Muskegon, MI/Mona Shores) netted 13 points and  Lindsey Burnside (Spring Lake, MI/Grand Haven) had a team-high eight rebounds and four blocks. The visitors, who led 38-30 at halftime, hurt MCC at the free throw line, connecting on 80 percent (28-of-35).

MCC falls to 6-7 in league play and 16-10 overall.

Lake Michigan CC Downs Women 69-58

League-leading Lake Michigan CC defeated the visiting MCC women’s basketball squad 69-58 on Friday night in Benton Harbor, MI.

“They wanted it more than we did,” said Jayhawks Assistant Coach Sandra Bush. “This was a big game for us and we didn’t get it done. We came out flat. They were more confident with the ball. We need to step up and play defense more consistently.”

Lake Michigan CC, now 11-1 in the conference and 21-3 overall, led 37-31 at halftime.

MCC’s Lindsey Burnside (Spring Lake, MI/Grand Haven) had 12 points and 12 rebounds, while Sudan Saunders (Grand Rapids, MI/Catholic Central) scored 14 points and Jazmyne Good (Windsor, ONT/John Forster) added 10. Chasadie Thornton (Muskegon, MI/Mona Shores) dished out seven assists.

The Jayhawks are in fifth place with a 6-6 league mark and are 16-9 overall.

MCC’s Sudan Saunders Named NJCAA National Player of the Week

For a second time this season, a MCC women’s basketball player has been voted the National Junior College Athletic Association Div. II Player of the Week.

Sophomore guard Sudan Saunders (Grand Rapids, MI/Catholic Central) earned the national honors for the week of Feb. 8 after recording a triple-double and double-double in the Jayhawks’ 1-1 performance last week. Saunders led the Jayhawks to a 76-54 win over Ancilla College with 24 points and 10 rebounds. In a 109-104 loss to Jackson CC, Saunders hit 13-of-15 shots from the field for 34 points, while adding 13 rebounds, 10 assists and five steals.

MCC Women Cruise to 67-50 Win over Lansing CC

The MCC women posted a 67-50 victory against Lansing CC at Bartels-Rode Gymnasium on Wednesday night, with the Jayhawks moving into a tie with LCC for fourth place in the Western Conference.

Led by 18-point efforts from both Jazmyne Good (Windsor, ONT/John Forster) and Sudan Saunders (Grand Rapids, MI/Catholic Central), MCC took the lead for good in the opening minutes. But the hosts had to withstand a couple of LCC rallies, the last one trimming MCC’s lead to 32-22 with 16:23 remaining. The Jayhawks responded with a 10-0 offensive burst and never looked back.

Lindsey Burnside (Spring Lake, MI/Grand Haven) had 10 rebounds, seven blocked shots and four steals, while teammate Samantha Zimmer (Muskegon, MI/Oakridge) has a dozen boards.

I think as a team, we are starting to move the ball better,” said MCC Coach Ron Jenkins. “The players all have a goal in place. We are trying to dominate so that we can host a home game for regionals. Defensively, we are still making some adjustments. As a coach, I am very proud of what they are doing academically and what they are doing collectively on the floor. We’re coming together as a team at the right time.”

The Jayhawks and Lansing CC are tied for fourth in the league with identical 6-5 records.

Jackson CC Edges MCC Women 109-105

The 16th ranked Jackson CC women’s basketball withstood a spirited effort by visiting MCC on Saturday afternoon, when the Jayhawks fell 109-105 in Jackson, Mich.

“Our game plan was to deny them the three-point shots,” said MCC Assistant Coach Sandra Bush, whose Jayhawks led 50-48 at intermission.

The gambit kept the Jayhawks apace with the fast-paced Jackson squad, held to 10-of-19 from the arc in the initial half and 19-of-61 for the game.

“We forced them to play a little defense,” Bush added. “A couple of times, though, we got caught up in their pace. We did a better job of listening to Coach (Ron) Jenkins and his game plan.”

Sudan Saunders (Grand Rapids, MI/Catholic Central) scored 34 points, grabbed 13 rebounds, made 10 assists and had five steals for MCC. Jazmyne Good (Windsor, ONT/John Forster) scored 23 points and had six assists and five steals, while Lindsey Burnside (Spring Lake, MI/Grand Haven) scored 21 and hauled in 14 rebounds. Coiya Wiley (Flint, MI/Southwestern) tallied 13 points and had 12 rebounds and six assists.

The 15-8 Jayhawks, now 5-5 in the league, are in fifth place in Western Conference. Jackson is tied with Lake Michigan CC for first in the Western Conference. Both teams are 9-1 and 19-3 overall.

MCC Women Dispatch Ancilla 76-54

Sudan Saunders (Grand Rapids, MI/Catholic Central) scored a team-high 24 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to pace the MCC women’s basketball unit to a 76-54 win over visiting Ancilla College on Wednesday night in Bartels-Rode Gymnasium.

The Jayhawks improved their league record to 5-4 and their overall mark to 15-7, while Ancilla falls to 1-8 and 1-17 respectively.

MCC led the entire contest except for a two-minute span early in the first half. The hosts owned a 35-22 halftime lead.

“This was a good win for us,” said MCC Assistant Coach Sandra Bush. “Ancilla’s a scrappy team. We’re in the second half of the conference schedule now and it’s great to get two wins in a row. We were able to get all of the players into the game.”

Lindsey Burnside (Spring Lake, MI/Grand Haven) scored 17 points and brought down a team-high 11 boards. Coiya Wiley (Flint, MI/Southwestern) tallied 16 points, while Samantha Zimmer (Muskegon, MI/Oakridge) had seven rebounds and Chasadie Thornton (Muskegon, MI/Mona Shores) made 10 assists.

The Jayhawks shots 80 percent from the free throw line, led by Burnside’s 7-for-10 performance.

Women’s B-Ball Breezes Past Glen Oaks 94-64

The MCC women’s basketball squad got back on the winning track in impressive fashion with an 94-64 victory over the Glen Oaks CC Vikings on Wednesday night in Centreville, MI.

The Jayhawks, who improved to 4-4 in the league and 14-7 overall, are idle until next Wednesday when they host Ancilla College at 5:30 p.m.

“We emphasized defense in practice the past week,” said MCC Assistant Coach Sandra Bush. “Getting down and moving our feet. Offensively, we only committed 10 turnovers.”

MCC led 40-26 at halftime. For the game, Sudan Saunders (Grand Rapids, MI/Catholic Central) scored 28 points, grabbed 13 rebounds and made six steals. Lindsey Burnside (Spring Lake, MI/Grand Haven) netted 14 points and had 11 boards, while both Sam Zimmer (Muskegon, MI/Oakridge) and Coiya Wiley (Flint, MI/Southwestern) scored 12. Zimmer added eight rebounds. Chasadie Thornton (Muskegon, MI/Mona Shores) had a season-high nine assists.

Kellogg CC Nips MCC Women 73-70

The torrid free throw shooting Kellogg CC women’s basketball team withstood fierce second half full-court pressure by MCC to eke out a 73-70 victory on Saturday afternoon at Bartels-Rode Gymnasium.

The Jayhawks led 19-18 before KCC went on a 21-8 run in the final 6:41 to take a 41-27 halftime lead. KCC shot 52 percent from the floor and 80 percent (16-of-20) from the free throw line in the half. The visitors duplicated their 16-of-20 performance from the line in the second half and needed every point because the Jayhawks full-court, trapping press took its toll on them.

MCC erased KCC’s 16-point lead (45-29) over a nine-minute span. Samantha Zimmer’s (Muskegon, MI/Oakridge) jumper with 8:10 left gave the Jayhawks a 54-53 advantage. In a seesaw battle, the lead changed hands seven times in the next four minutes. Kellogg led 69-63 with 2:16 left, but Zimmer sank a basket then followed with a three-pointer to trim the lead to 69-68 at the 1:43 mark. Briana Russell’s (Muskegon Heights, MI/Muskegon Heights) field goal gave the hosts a 70-69 lead with 1:28 on the clock.

But MCC missed on its final three attempts, including a three-pointer at the buzzer, to drop the 13-7 Jayhawks to 3-4 and in fifth place in the Western Conference standings. The win was the first in the league for KCC.

“We gave them too many open looks in the first half,” said MCC Assistant Coach Sandra Bush, who was directing the team in the absence of Coach Ron Jenkins who was out of the state for personal reasons. “We didn’t come out ready to play.”

Sudan Saunders (Grand Rapids, MI/Catholic Central) had 21 points and 10 rebounds. Jazmyne Good (Windsor, ONT/John Forster) fouled out with 12 points and eight rebounds, while Lindsey Burnside (Spring Lake, MI/Grand Haven) added 11 points and six rebounds and Samantha Zimmer 10 points and nine rebounds. Chasadie Thornton (Muskegon, MI/Mona Shores) dished out six assists

Saunders Celebrates Homecoming with 64-50 Win over GRCC

MCC forward Sudan Saunders (Grand Rapids, MI/Catholic Central) made the most of her homecoming to the Furniture City where her 20 points led the Jayhawks to a 64-50 won over Grand Rapids CC On Wednesday night.

Now 13-6 overall and 3-3 in the league, MCC led 28-19 at halftime in a game in which they made 70 percent (12-of-17) free throws.

“We used a lot of pressure on the ball, led by Sudan, to take the lead,” said MCC Assistant Coach Onbra Coleman. “We also cut down on our turnover so a lot of players got some good minutes tonight.”

Samantha Zimmer (Muskegon, MI/Oakridge) grabbed a team-high 19 boards and tossed in 13 markers. Jazmyne Good (Windsor, ONT/John Forster) scored 10 and Chasadie Thornton (Muskegon, MI/Mona Shores) added eight. Lindsey Burnside (Spring Lake, MI/Grand Haven) brought down nine rebounds.

No. 4 Kalamazoo Valley Edges Women 77-69

The fourth-ranked and unbeaten Kalamazoo Valley CC women’s basketball squad edged the visiting MCC Jayhawks 77-69 on Saturday afternoon.

The Jayhawks, who were guided by Assistant Coach Sandra Bush, were tied 39-39 at halftime and led 54-15 with about 14 minutes left.

“Defensively, we didn’t do a good job at the end,” said Assistant Coach Orbra Coleman. “We sent them to the free throw line too many times. They were 22-of-37. But our girls played. They gave an excellent effort.”

Sudan Saunders (Grand Rapids, NI/Catholic Central) scored 18 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to lead the Jayhawks, who are now 2-3 in the league and 1206 overall. Jazmyne Good (Windsor, ONT/John Forster) added 13 points and Samantha Zimmer (Muskegon, MI/Oakridge) 10 points. Lindsey Burnside (Spring Lake, MI/Grand Haven) brought down seven boards.

Now 16-0, Kalamazoo Valley upped its conference mark to 4-0. MCC returns to action on Wednesday night at Grand Rapids CC.

Jazmyne Good Named National Player of the Week

Jazmyne Good (Windsor, ONT/John Forster) has been named NJCAA Division II Women’s Basketball Player of the Week. Good posted double-doubles in both of the Jayhawks’ games last week.  The 5-10 guard grabbed 11 rebounds and seven steals in an 85-68 win over Ancilla College.  Good had a triple-double in a 121-111 loss to Jackson Community College. She scored 40 points, had 16 boards and 10 steals

No. 17 Lake Michigan College Beats MCC 87-69

The 17th ranked Lake Michigan College women’s basketball squad never trailed against the turnover-laden MCC team on Wednesday night, when the Jayhawks fell 87-69 in Bartels-Rode Gymnasium.

Now 12-5 overall and 2-2 in the league, MCC fell behind 17-5 in the first six minutes and found itself making a few runs to close the gap during the game, but never closer than 42-32 in the second half. MCC made 31 turnovers. The conference-leading LMC improved its record to 14-2 overall and 4-0 in the league.

“Offensively, I know what we can do,” said MCC Coach Ron Jenkins. “I am looking for us to step up defensively. I am challenging each player one by one. We can’t continue to give up 70-80 points a game. This is a disappointing loss for us. It hurts deep because it gives us two losses in the conference. The positive is our young ladies are talking about what they need to do differently.”

Sudan Saunders (Grand Rapids, MI/Catholic Central) led the hosts with 21 points and 11 rebounds. Jazmyne Good (Windsor, ONT/John Forster), who was voted the NJCAA Div. II National Player of the Week, had 13 points and five assists. Coiya Wiley (Flint, MI/Southwestern) scored 12, while Lindsey Burnside (Spring Lake, MI/Grand Haven) grabbed 12 boards and blocked a trio of LMCC shots.

Women Hoopsters Turn Back Lansing CC 65-53

Ramping up their full court pressure in the second half, the MCC women’s basketball squad outscored host Lansing CC 43-20 in the final 20 minutes to post a 65-53 league win on Monday night.

Jayhawks Coach Ron Jenkins turned to the press with his team behind 33-22 at intermission.

“We started to loosen up, put pressure on the ball and outran them,” said Jenkins, his team now 12-4 overall and 2-1 in the conference. The Jayhawks, who turned the ball over 21 times in the first half, started to protect the ball much better while forcing Lansing to commit 14 turnovers in the second stanza.

The MCC coach singled out the inside-out play of reserve forward Lexie Parker (Muskegon, MI/Mona Shores) for generating motion in the Jayhawks second half attack. He also pointed to the productivity of the three-person rotation of Coiya Wiley (Flint, MI/Southwestern), Jazmyne Good (Windsor, ONT/John Forster) and Brianna Russell (Muskegon Heights, MI/Muskegon Heights).

The Jayhawks took the lead at 47-45 with 3:34 remaining, and then closed with an 18-6 run. Lansing fell to 2-1 in the league and 11-3 overall.

Sudan Saunders (Grand Rapids, MI/Catholic Central) scored 27, grabbed 13 rebounds and had four steals. Lindsey Burnside (Spring Lake, MI/Grand Haven) blocked eight shots, while scoring 10 and securing 14 boards.5 Samantha Zimmer (Muskegon, MI/Oakridge) added 13 rebounds, while Jazmyne Good had seven steals and nine points.

MCC hosts Lake Michigan CC on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. in Bartels-Rode Gymnasium.

Jackson CC Wins 121-111 in Marathon Contest

In many basketball games, 67-60 would be a reasonable final score. On Saturday night in Bartels-Rode Gymnasium, that was only halftime margin. Jackson CC withstood a spirited second half comeback by the MCC women’s to earn a 121-111 win in a marathon two-and-a-half hour contest.

The visiting Jets couldn’t contain MCC’s Jazmyne Good (Windsor, ONT/John Forster), who led the Jayhawks late game surge with her game-high 40 points, 10 steals, 16 rebounds and seven assists.

“She just plays tenacious defense,” said MCC Coach Ron Jenkins, “She know she’s the sparkplug for us.”

Foul troubles hurt MCC down the stretch. Four players fouled out – Good, Sudan Saunders (Grand Rapids, MI/Catholic Central), Lindsey Burnside (Spring Lake, MI/Grand Haven) and Sam Zimmer (Muskegon, MI/Oakridge).

Burnside had 23 points, 10 rebounds and six blocks, while Saunders scored 16, grabbed 15 rebounds and recorded four assists and four steals. Point guard Chasadie Thornton (Muskegon, MI/Mona Shores) hit 14 points and had four steals, while Coiya Wiley (Flint, MI/Southwestern) secured a dozen rebounds.

In the first half, Jackson broke open a 6-6- game with a 22-8 run, mostly on three-point shots, in the first six minutes. MCC cut the Jets lead to seven on two occasions, including at halftime.

“We know their game and they’re a three-point shooting team,” said Jenkins, his team now 11-4 overall and 1-1 in the league.  “What we wanted to do was come out and contest the shots. What we failed to do in the first half was not give them second and third chance shots. We didn’t do a good job of taking care of the ball. We had 24 turnovers in the first half and they capitalized off of our unforced turnovers.

“One thing about our team is we have a lot of fight. To be down only by seven at half was tremendous. We continued to attack them. We wanted to stick with our game plan. In the second half, we started switching off the screens and that shut down their three point shots. That’s how we fought back to take the lead.”

MCC took its last lead at 81-79 before Jackson responded with eight unanswered points. Again, the Jayhawks didn’t quit and trimmed the lead to four points in the waning minutes.

“We couldn’t sub the way they do,” said Jenkins about the Jets, who platoon five players after nearly every deadball. “But we are a well-conditioned team. And we are able to play with the best of them. We’re not happy with this loss but we’re pleased with the efforts that our Jayhawks gave, knowing that we’ve got work to do.

Depth Shines in 85-68 League Opening Win

Using its deep roster against short-handed Ancilla College, the 18th ranked MCC women’s basketball squad defeated their Donaldson, Ind., hosts 85-68 on Wednesday night in the conference opener for both teams.

Now 11-3 overall, the 15-member Jayhawks unit, leading 37-32 at halftime, turned up the defensive pressure in the final 20 minutes against the winless but scrappy six-member Chargers squad.

“We came out kind of flat after making the long ride here,” said MCC Assistant Coach Sandra Bush. “We loosened up after awhile. Even though they only had six players, they played tough. They ran out of gas in the second half.”

Sudan Saunders (Grand Rapids, MI/Catholic Central) netted 21 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, while talented teammate Jazmyne Good (Windsor, NT/John Forster) scored 22 points, hauled down 11 rebounds and made seven steals.  Coiya Wiley (Flint, MI/Southwestern) made four assists and scored 11 points while Lindsey Burnside (Spring Lake, MI/Grand Haven) tallied 13 points and grabbed nine caroms.

MCC returns to action against Jackson CC in Bartels-Rode Gymnasium on Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m.

Palm Beach State Defeats Women 81-58

The host Palm Beach State College Panthers defeated the 18th ranked MCC women’s basketball squad 81-58 on Thursday in the Palm Beach Classic in Lake Worth, Fla.

“We just didn’t come to play today,” said Jayhawks Assistant Coach Sandra Bush, adding that the squad will use the experience gained in its two Florida contests to get ready for the start of league play next week.

Now 12-1, Palm Beach took a 35-29 halftime lead and successfully used its penetration and kick out passes to open up the margin in the second half.

Sudan Saunders (Grand Rapids, MI/Catholic Central) scored 19 points and hauled down 11 rebounds for MCC, while Coiya Wiley (Flint,MI/Southwestern) pumped in 12 points and grabbed 11 boards. Jazmyne Good ((Windsor, ONT/John Forster) chipped in 10 points and Lindsey Burnside (Spring Lake, MI/Grand Haven) brought down eight rebounds for the 10-3 Jayhawks.

MCC returns to action on Jan 4. at Ancilla College in the league opener.

Miami-Dade College Downs Women 73-65

Miami-Dade point guard Kesheria Mcneil netted 33 points to lead the Lady Sharks to a 73-65 upset over the 18th ranked MCC women’s basketball team in the opening round of the Palm Beach CC Classic in Palm Beach, FL on Wednesday afternoon.

“She hurt us with her penetration dribble,” said Jayhawks Assistant Coach Sandra Bush.

MCC, now 10-2 overall, trailed 42-30 at halftime, but was hurt down the stretch by poor decision making in its transition game, said Bush, who complimented the MCC unit on playing hard.

“We wanted to come down here and represent the state of Michigan and MCC well. Even though we didn’t win, we didn’t let up. They are very athletic and quick with seven players over six-feet tall.”

The Jayhawks were led by Sudan Saunders (Grand Rapids, MI/Catholic Central), who scored 18 points and grabbed 15 rebounds. Samantha Zimmer (Muskegon, MI/Oakridge) added 13 points and Jazmyne Good (Windsor, ONT/John Forster) tallied 12. Good, Zimmer and Coiya Wiley (Flint, MI/Southwestern) all had nine rebounds.

MCC floor general Chasadie Thornton (Muskegon, MI/Mona Shores) had five assists and five steals.

The Jayhawks face host Palm Beach CC on Thursday at noon.

Women’s Basketball Ranked 18th in Nation

The 10-1 MCC women’s basketball team moved into the NJCAA Div. II national rankings for the first time this season. The Jayhawks were voted 18th in the country in this week’s poll.

Coach Ron Jenkins’ squad returns to action on Wednesday, Dec. 28, in the Palm Beach Classic in Florida. MCC opens play at 2 p.m. against Miami-Dade CC.

Women Beat Alpena 86-54 to Sweep Classic

For the third time this season, the MCC women’s basketball squad defeated Alpena CC after an easy 86-54 decision on Saturday night to sweep the Alpena Classic.

The Jayhawks, now 10-1, were never threatened by the hosts who, because of a team withdrawing from its tournament, played and beat Kirtland CC at 1 p.m. before facing MCC at 5 p.m. on Saturday.

MCC, which led 44-15 at intermission, was paced by a number of players. Jazmyne Good (Windsor, ONT/John Fortser) had 17 points, 14 rebounds, seven steals and six assists. Sudan Saunders (Grand Rapids, MI/Catholic Central) scored 18 points, grabbed 13 boards and made six steals. Sophomore Coiya Wiley (Flint, MI/Southwestern) tallied 15 points and Chasadie Thornton (Muskegon, MI/Mona Shores) dished out seven assists.

Lindsey Burnside (Spring Lake, MI/Grand Haven) brought down 13 rebounds and blocked six shots, while Sam Zimmer (Muskegon, MI/Oakridge) had 12 rebounds, six steals and four assists.

MCC returns to action on Dec. 28, when the Jayhawks travel to Florida for the Palm Beach CC Classic to face Johnson County CC

Women Defeat Kirtland 64-57 in Alpena Tourney

The MCC women’s basketball team overcame a sluggish first half to post a 64-57 victory over previously unbeaten Kirtland CC on Friday afternoon in the Thunder Bay Classic at Alpena CC.

“We really started out slow and they came ready to play,” said MCC Assistant Coach Sandra Bush. ”After playing seven straight home games, we need to understand what it means to play on the road, in the afternoon and against a good team. We didn’t have the intensity we needed to start the game.”

Trailing 33-22 at halftime, MCC made some key halftime adjustments to take the lead within the first six minutes of the second half.

“We pressed them, put pressure on the ball and forced turnovers,” explained Bush. We had a lot of fast breaks, transition baskets and we passed the ball well.”

The two squads traded the lead before the Jayhawks went on a 10-point run that sealed the team’s ninth win against one loss.

Jayhawks Samantha Zimmer (Muskegon, MI/Oakridge) scored 12 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. Jazmyne Good (Windsor, ONT/John Forster) scored 12 points and made seven steals, while Coiya Wiley (Flint, MI/Southwestern) netted 10 points, brought down 11 rebounds and made five steals.

Chasadie Thornton (Muskegon, MI/Mona Shores) netted 11 points and dished out five assists, while Lindsey Burnside (Spring Lake, MI/Grand Haven) brought down 13 boards.

Women Defeat Delta 73-64 in Holiday Classic

The MCC women’s basketball team went deep into its roster early and often in defeating Delta CC 73-64 in Saturday night’s Buffalo Wild Wings Holiday Classic game at Bartels-Rode Gymnasium.

A dozen Jayhawks registered more than 10 minutes of playing time. The hosts jumped to a 10-0 lead in the first four minutes and extended the lead to 16-4 with 12:27 left in the first half. Delta responded with an 11-0 run and eventually tied the game at 28-28 with four minutes remaining in the initial half. The Jayhawk starting quintet returned to the court and opened a 42-34 lead by intermission.

Delta would get no closer than 66-58 in the second half. Lindsey Burnside (Spring Lake, MI/Grand Haven) scored four of her eight points in the waning minutes to secure the victory. Burnside had eight rebounds, Samantha Zimmer (Muskegon, MI/Oakridge) added nine, and both Alexandria Parker (Muskegon, MI/Mona Shores) and Sudan Saunders (Grand Rapids, MI/Catholic Central) grabbed seven each.

Jazmyne Good (Windsor, ONT/John Forster) scored 13 points and Coiya Wiley (Flint, MI/Southwestern) added 10 points,

“Our goal was to make sure we got everybody in,” said MCC Assistant Coach Sandra Bush. “At halftime all our starters had six points, really balanced scoring. It wasn’t so much a physical game, but it was an up tempo game.”

Bush praised the improved post play of Nicole Wadsworth (Holton, MI/Holton) and increased shooting confidence of Molly Christophersen (Muskegon, MI/Muskegon).

Cincinnati State Hands Women First Loss 74-68

Coiya Wiley grabs a Jayhawks rebound.In a battle of two undefeated teams, nationally third-ranked Cincinnati State outscored the MCC women 10-2 in the final four minutes of Friday night’s game to earn a 74-68 victory in the Buffalo Wild Wings Holiday Classic in Bartels-Rode Gymnasium.

Now 7-1, the Jayhawks return to action at 5 p.m. today to host Delta CC.

Cincinnati State, which improved to 8-0, led 44-37 at halftime before MCC made its second-half push and took a 66-64 lead with 3:54 on the clock.

Jazmyne Good (Windsor, ONT/John Forster) paced the hosts with 23 points, four assists and five rebounds. Sudan Saunders scored 16 points and grabbed 18 rebounds and Lindsey Burnside (Spring Lake, MI/Grand Haven) added eight tallies and 11 boards, adding to the Jayhawks’ 56-45 edge for the game. Coiya Wiley (Flint, MI/Southwestern) scored 16 points, aiding in MCC’s second half resurgence

Unbeaten Women Handle Calvin JV 80-54

Lindsey BurnsideThe unbeaten MCC women’s basketball squad ran its record to 7-0 on Monday night in Bartels-Rode Gymnasium, where the Jayhawks defeated the Calvin JVs 80-54.

Jazmyne Good (Windsor, ONT/John Forster) and Lindsey Burnside (Spring Lake, MI/Grand Haven) both scored 16 points to pace the MCC offense, while teammates Coiya Wiley (Flint, MI/Southwestern) and Sudan Saunders (Grand Rapids, MI/Catholic Central) chipped in 12 points apiece.

Saunders and Burnside both grabbed 10 rebounds, while Samantha Zimmer (Muskegon, MI/Oakridge) added eight more for the Jayhawks, who outrebounded Calvin 49-32. Good had eight steals and Saunders four as MCC forced 23 Calvin turnovers.

“We’re staring to move the ball around well,” said MCC Assistant Coach Sandra Bush, whose team led 43-24 at halftime.

Demonstrating that fact were Good with eight assists, Chasadie Thornton (Muskegon, MI/Mona Shores) with seven, Zimmer with six and Saunders with five.

“We like to play teams like Calvin JV because they are fundamentally sound, have a good basketball sense, play hard and will expose your weaknesses, which they did with our weak-side help. That’s something we had not seen before.”

The Jayhawks return to action this weekend when they host the Buffalo Wild Wings Tournament. MCC opens play Friday at 5 p.m. against Cincinnati State.

Undefeated Women Rout Oakland CC 70-40

The unbeaten MCC women’s basketball team outscored Oakland CC 46-24 in the second half to take a 70-40 victory in Saturday night’s Pepsi Classic finale in Bartels-Rode Gymnasium.

“Each game we’re learning something new, adjusting and developing,” said MCC Assistant Coach Sandra Bush. “This was a good win for us because the young ladies understand now what to expect when we begin our conference schedule in January.”

Sudan Saunders (Grand Rapids, MI/Catholic) paced the 6-0 Jayhawks with her 17 points, 13 rebounds and five steals. Jazmyne Good (Windsor, ONT/John Forster) added 20 points, four rebounds and six steals, while Lindsey Burnside (Spring Lake, MI/Grand Haven) blocked six Oakland shots, while netting 11 points and hauling down 13 rebounds.

The Jayhawks return to action at home on Monday night against the Calvin JV at 5:30 p.m. before hosting powerhouse Cincinnati State and Delta CC next weekend in Bartels-Rode Gymnasium.

Women Defeat Alpena CC 99-49 in Pepsi Classic

Jazmyne GoodLed by Jazmyne Good’s (Windsor, ONT/John L. Forster)stellar all-around play, the undefeated MCC women’s basketball squad beat Alpena CC 99-49 on Friday night’s opening round of the Pepsi Classic in Bartels-Rode Gymnasium.

Good, a freshman guard, scored 21 points on 9-of-12 field goals and 3-of-5 free throws, grabbed 12 rebounds, and added eight assists, six steals and three blocked shots. Teammate Sudan Saunders (Grand Rapids, MI/Catholic Central) paced all scorers with 24 points and had 10 rebounds. Chasadie Thornton (Muskegon, MI/Mona Shores) netted 11 points.

“We wanted to make sure we worked on both sides of the ball and got back in transition tonight,” said Jayhawks Assistant Coach Sandra Bush, who was pleased with the team’s effort.

Now 5-0, the Jayhawks face Oakland CC, 62-56 winners over Kennedy King on Friday, in Saturday night’s 5 p.m. Pepsi Classic finale.

Undefeated Women Crush Alpena CC 86-47

Coiya WileyIn the second day of East-West Classic competition, the unbeaten MCC women’s basketball team breezed past Alpena CC 86-47 on Saturday night in Bartels-Rode Gymnasium.

Sophomore Coiya Wiley (Flint, MI/Southwestern) scored 11 points and brought down 11 rebounds to pace the 4-0 Jayhawks. Freshman 5-11 center Lindsey Burnside (Spring Lake, MI/Grand Haven) netted 10 points and had 10 rebounds. Sudan Saunders (Grand Rapids, MI/Catholic Central) grabbed 11 rebounds.

MCC first-year player Jazmyne Good (Windsor, ONT/John L. Forster), who scored a team-high 14 points, earned praise from Jayhawks Assistant Coach Sandra Bush for her tenacious play.

“We had the opportunity to play all of our players and to work on different things in our offense, to try different combinations, to see what works well,” she added. “We saw good things out of our offense.”

Among the reserves earning plaudits from Bush was freshman guard Morgan Kantola (Muskegon, MI/Ravenna), whose hard work and determination be a contributor has Bush believing she can play an increasing role in the Jayhawks’ success.

MCC, which led 42-20 at halftime, shot 16-of-19 (84 percent) from the free throw lines and outrebounded Alpena CC 68-41 in the contest.

Women Open East-West Classic with 61-31 Win

Chasadie ThorntonThe unbeaten MCC women’s basketball team opened the East-West Classic with a 61-31 victory over St. Clair County CC on Friday night in Bartels-Rode Gymnasium.

Sophomore Sudan Saunders (Grand Rapids, MI/Grand Rapids Catholic) scored 13 points and hauled down 14 rebounds to pace the 3-0 Jayhawks, who now face Alpena CC at 5 p.m. Saturday night. Alpena lost 65-31 to Kalamazoo Valley earlier on Friday at MCC.

“I thought we were rushing things a little bit in the first half,” said MCC Coach Ron Jenkins, whose team struggled shooting 30 percent from the floor in the game. “I thought we had a little bit more poise in the second half. Again, we wanted to make sure we played everybody and to make sure we are all playing together.

“Everybody contributed. I was pleased with how poised Chasadie Thornton (Muskegon, MI/Mona Shores) was out there, setting up our offense. I was proud of her. Our offense focused on our sets, but we did well in our transition, too.”

Jazmyne Good (Windsor, Ont./John Forster) added 10 points for the Jayhawks, who broke open a 25-14 halftime lead with more focused defense and rebounding during the final 20 minutes.

“We did a better job of rebounding in the second half,” said Jenkins. “Our help side defense shut down their post better in the second half.”

Women’s Basketball Beats Mid-Michigan CC 87-63

The undefeated MCC women’s basketball team cruised past the Mid-Michigan CC Lakers 87-63 behind Sudan Saunders’ (Grand Rapids, MI/GR Catholic) 30 points and 13 rebounds on Wednesday night in Harrison, MI.

Freshman center Lindsey Burnside (Spring Lake, MI/Grand Haven) added 13 points and grabbed 13 rebounds for the 2-0 Jayhawks, who led 43-25 at halftime.

Teammate Chasadie Thornton (Muskegon, MI/Mona Shores) had 12 points and five assists, while Jazmyne Good (Windsor, ONT/John L. Forster) netted 11 points and made four assists. Sophomore Samantha Zimmer (Muskegon, MI/Oakridge) scored eight points, brought down nine rebounds and dished out a team-high seven assists.”

“I am really excited about our team balance,” said Jayhawks Coach Ron Jenkins. “We’re still working on trying to understand our subbing pattern. The team played well, executed well off our transition and had great looks inside. They were very unselfish as the statistics show. We moved the ball around well.”

The Jayhawks return to action on Friday and Saturday, when they host the East-West Classic in Bartels-Rode Gymnasium. MCC opens plays at 5 p.m. on Friday against St. Clair County CC Skippers from Port Huron.

Women’s Basketball Defeats Davenport 67-49

Sudan Saunders leads MCC past Davenport JV.The MCC women’s basketball team outscored visiting Davenport JV 20-4 during the final seven minutes of Wednesday night’s game to post a 67-49 season opening victory in Bartels-Rode Gymnasium.

Sudan Saunders (Grand Rapids, MI/Catholic Central)led the Jayhawks with 22 points while Lindsey Burnside (Spring Lake, MI/Grand Haven) scored 16 points and grabbed 13 rebounds,

“It was an up-and-down game,” said MCC Coach Ron Jenkins, whose team led 31-27 at intermission. . “In the first half, we did a great job of getting the ball inside but we didn’t finish. In the second half, we made some adjustments and were able to finish. We started a lot of freshmen tonight. I think they were a little stage struck.”

Jenkins was pleased with the collective effort of his squad, which took the lead for good at 18-16 on Jazmyne Good’s (Windsor, ONT/John Forster) basket with 7:48 left in the initial half. Good finished with 10 points. Four minutes later, a pair of Samantha Zimmer (Muskegon, MI/Oakridge) free throws gave the Jayhawks their largest margin – 31-23 – in the half. Zimmer grabbed 11 boards in the contest.

The Panthers trimmed MCC’s lead to two points, 47-45, with 7:29 left in the game before the hosts went on their explosive 20-4 run.