WBB Falls to Cleveland CC

 Game Recap: Women’s Basketball
12/18/2024 | Shaun Schetka

Cedar Bluff, VA – Cleveland Community College (8-2, 5-1) traveled to SWCC to take on the Flying Eagles (5-3, 4-2) Tuesday night at the King Community Center. The Yetis of Cleveland CC started strong, outscoring the Flying Eagles 13-4 in the first quarter. That early advantage proved decisive as Cleveland CC held on to secure a 59-57 victory over SWCC.

In this matchup of two of the top four teams in Region X Division 2, SWCC had a slow start, going scoreless on their first ten possessions. Sophomore Paige Niethammer eventually broke the drought, scoring SWCC’s first basket to make it 4-2. Despite their struggles, the Flying Eagles managed to keep the game within reach as Freshman Point Guard Tamila Francis, was forced into early foul trouble, picking up two quick fouls midway through the first quarter. Cleveland CC capitalized with a 9-0 run before freshman Grace Harvey added a basket for SWCC.

The second quarter saw both teams trading baskets, but SWCC never managed to take the lead. Their closest approach came when they cut the deficit to one point at 20-19. Strong free-throw shooting kept the Flying Eagles competitive, as they went a perfect 10-for-10 from the line in the first half. However, Cleveland CC extended their lead to nine by halftime, entering the break with a 34-25 advantage.

SWCC rallied in the third quarter, cutting the Yetis’ lead to just four points after freshman Kierstin Johnson hit a three-pointer, making it 46-42 heading into the final period.

The Flying Eagles continued to battle in the fourth quarter. Francis connected on a three-pointer with just under five minutes remaining, narrowing the gap to 54-52. On the next possession, Niethammer, who tallied a game-high 22 points, scored to tie the game at 54. Cleveland CC quickly responded with Jasmine Twitty converting a three-point play to restore a three-point lead. Niethammer answered again to level the score at 57, but Cleveland CC’s Kari Lee sank two clutch free throws with 52.4 seconds left to reclaim the lead at 59-57.

Freshman Emma Owens had a chance to tie the game for SWCC with 38 seconds remaining but missed her free throws. The Flying Eagles’ defense stepped up to create one final opportunity, but Maddie Day’s three-point attempt from the top of the key fell short.

Day finished the game with 11 points. Tamila Francis contributed nine points, while freshman Kierstin Johnson added seven points and grabbed 11 rebounds. The Flying Eagles now enter a two-week break for the holidays and will return to action on January 2nd, hosting Walters State CC. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m. at the King Community Center.