Nevada, MO. – The Cottey College Comets basketball team win a tough conference contest at home against the Stephens College Stars 47-39 at Hinkhouse in Nevada, Missouri on January 7, 2023.
The Comets (7-7) were led by Claudia Hadlock with 19 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 block. Dally Coulter went double digits for the Comets as well with 11 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 steal.
The Stars (9-4) were led with a double-double by Zaraya March with 18 points, 14 rebounds, 2 assists, and 4 steals. Arthel Massaquoi also scoring 9 points and Marveen Ross with 11 rebounds for the stars.
It was all Cottey in the first quarter with the Comets keeping the Stars to only 5 points in the first quarter. An Arthel Massaquoi free throw and jump shot were the only Stars' baskets until a Tashawn Ducker layup with 1:48 left in the first quarter. The Comets put up a 10 point run to dominate the first quarter. A Claudia Hadlock jump shot and Nicole Hagerman layup add four more points in the final minute of the quarter to send the Comets into the second quarter up 17-5.
A Zaraya March layup for the Stars opens up the second quarter but is quickly answered by a Claudia Hadlock 3 pointer for the Comets. The Comets continue to outpace the Stars with 10 unanswered points to go up by 20 with 3:13 left in the half. The Stars make up some ground with 5 made free throws off Comet fouls and the Comets head into half up 34-17.
The fiery Comets had an icy third quarter and the Stars held the Comets to only 3 points in the third quarter. Lauren Jones with the only score of the third quarter for the Comets with a 3 pointer at 7:14. A 12 point run by the Stars slashes the Comet lead and pulls them to within 6 points heading into the final quarter.
The Stars maintain their momentum with four quick points to open up the final quarter and pull to within 2 points of the Comets in an exciting 4th quarter. The Comets put up 7 unanswered points and the Stars' momentum comes to a screeching halt. The Comets cruise to a 47-39 conference win over the Stars and notch their first win of 2023.
Up next for the Comets will be William Woods at 5:30 pm on January 10, 2023 in Fulton, Missouri.
