Faith Simpson recorded a career high 41 points on Monday, leading the Coffeyville women's basketball team to a 79-60 victory over Northwest Kansas Tech in the first round of the Region VI tournament.

 

Due to COVID issues earlier in the season, this was the first matchup between the Red Ravens and the Mavericks. Despite NW Tech holding a massive size advantage over the Ravens, Coffeyville dominated inside. Pass after pass found the waiting hands of Simpson, who was nearly automatic from the field. But if it was the Ravens who dominated the post game, it was the Mavericks who dominated the outside game. Guards Alonna Harvey-Williams and Chloe Andrew repeatedly punished Coffeyville from beyond the arc, keeping the Mavericks within 5 points by the halftime break.

 

However, the outside shots would eventually dry up for NW Tech, while the inside game was still there for Coffeyville. The second half would prove to be much like the first for the Ravens, as they just continued to pound the ball inside and reap the benefits. Coffeyville also controlled the glass, outrebounding the Mavericks 44-20. Eventually, the Ravens would pull away, coasting to the 19-point victory.

 

Simpson, of course, led all scorers with 41 points. She also picked up a double-double by bringing down 12 rebounds. Other standouts from Monday's game included Amiya Josey, who recorded 11 points, and KK Lay, who dished out 10 assists. Head coach Tony Turner said this matchup had stressed him out more than any other this season.

 

The Red Raven women will hit the road for the Region VI quarterfinals on Wednesday, heading for a rematch with Barton. The Cougars won the first matchup between the two teams, 81-70.