Basketball Recap: Karlene Kepler Leads a Balanced Attack to Beat Niobrara/Verdigre

North Central lost to Niobrara/Verdigre back in February of 2024, but they didn't allow them the same satisfaction on Tuesday. The North Central Knights took down the Niobrara/Verdigre Cougars 48-32. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Knights.

North Central's victory was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Karlene Kepler, who almost dropped a double-double on 14 points and nine rebounds. Those 14 points gave Kepler a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Mya Lewis, who almost dropped a double-double on nine points and 11 boards.

North Central smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 21 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least 14 offensive boards in five consecutive matchups.

Several Cougars players turned in solid performances despite ultimately coming up short. Perhaps the best among those players was Delani Runnels, who almost dropped a double-double on nine points and 11 rebounds. Runnels has been hot for a while, having also posted two or more steals the last 11 times she's played. Another player making a difference was Eve Kucera, who posted nine points.

The win got North Central back to even at 7-7. As for Niobrara/Verdigre, their loss ended a six-game streak of wins at home dating back to last season and dropped them to 10-4.

North Central wasted no time getting back out on the court and has already played their next game, a 48-36 victory against Ainsworth on the 23rd. Niobrara/Verdigre has also already played their next contest, a 44-40 defeat against Wynot on the 27th.