Women's Basketball Earns Split at Johnson County Classic
The Rock Valley College women's basketball team opened the season with a loss to No. 3 Johnson County before responding with a strong team victory over Highland Community College (Kansas) on the second day of competition.
Rock Valley fell to Johnson County, 87-56, in the opening game. The Golden Eagles dug themselves into a significant hole during the first half but competed with greater intensity after halftime and used the second-half effort to build momentum heading into the following day.
Abbie Bracius led Rock Valley with a double-double, recording 13 points and 10 rebounds. Kyrii Franklin added 11 points, five assists and four rebounds, while Emma Pierson contributed 10 points. Reece Watson provided a spark off the bench, scoring nine points while shooting 3-for-4 from three-point range.
The Golden Eagles bounced back in impressive fashion, defeating Highland, 94-76, in the second game. Rock Valley showed grit and determination throughout the contest against a scrappy and physical Highland squad, turning in a complete team performance on the second day of back-to-back games.
Franklin filled the stat sheet with 24 points, nine assists, four rebounds, three steals and two blocks. Pierson also recorded a standout performance, finishing with 24 points, 11 rebounds and five assists. Shalia Poole controlled the glass with eight points and 16 rebounds, while Watson added 10 points off the bench.
Rock Valley will look to build on the strong bounce-back performance as the season continues.
