(Sugar Grove, IL.) – Waubonsee Community College's women's basketball team rallied in the second half to pull out a thrilling 56-54 win over visiting McHenry County College. In the process the Chiefs (13-10, 6-2) moved to within a game of the Scots (16-8, 7-1) for the top spot in the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference standings, handing McHenry its first league loss.
McHenry led 13-10 after one period and then gradually built its biggest lead of the game in the final minute of the first half. The Scots closed out the second quarter with a 7-0 run to take a 30-18 lead into the locker room at halftime. Whatever head coach Jim Williams told his Chiefs during the intermission, it clearly worked. Waubonsee came out of the locker room with a renewed intensity and vigor, out scoring McHenry 20-11 in the third period to pull within three points heading into the final quarter.
The Scots gradually built their lead to seven at 48-41 with 5:49 to go. Waubonsee then responded with a 10-0 run to pull ahead 51-48 with 2:20 remaining. A three-point basket by the Scots tied it with just over a minute left. On the Chiefs' ensuing possession Hayley Farren nailed a long three-pointer from the top of the key with the shot clock winding down. The Scots then misfired with 0:20 to and Waubonsee's shortest player came up big. Dajashina Clark, a 5'1" sophomore point guard, tracked down the rebound and McHenry was forced to foul. Four quick fouls by the Scots finally put Waubonsee into a bonus foul shooting situation with 0:09 remaining. Alexis VanWyhe then nailed a pair of free throws to seal the Chiefs victory.
Mozelle Kempiak led Waubonsee with 12 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Kandace Jones came off the bench to tally 11 points and snag nine boards. VanWyhe also netted 11 points, handed out five assists and made four steals. Farren finished with nine points, Kayla Battle hauled down nine rebounds, and Clark dished out three assists and recorded three steals.
Waubonsee's next game is Tuesday, February 6, 2018 when they host Elgin Community College. Coach Williams' women's team tips off at 5:15 p.m. against the Scots, while Coach Dave Heiss' men's team is set to square off at 7:15 p.m. (CDT). Both games can been seen 'live' on-line at www.Waubonsee.edu/athletics or locally on cable television. Check with your local cable provider for the channel in your area. For more information on Chiefs' Athletics you can also go to NJCAA.org.