LocalSportsJournal.com

The Muskegon Community College women’s basketball team opened National Junior College Athletic Association district tournament play Tuesday with an impressive 89-52 victory over Jackson Community College at MCC’s Bartels-Rode Gymnasium.

The Jayhawks, who have won 12 of their past 14 games, now advance to the semifinals of the district tournament, playing Lake Michigan College on Thursday at 5 p.m. at Delta College.

MCC was dominant throughout the contest, with its largest lead – 77-32 – coming just over five minutes into the second half.

MCC outrebounded the Jets 50-37, held them to 31 percent shooting, and had a 30-10 scoring advantage among players coming off the bench. The Jayhawks also had a season-high 27 assists on 34 field goals.

“We played 40 minutes of well executed team basketball tonight,” said MCC Coach Rob Recknagel. “I can’t say enough about how unselfish we are as a team. Our defensive help and rotation has also been a key to the 12 wins in our past 14 games.”

Abby Rodriguez led the Jayhawks with 23 points, including five 3-pointers. Katie McKinnon chipped in 187 points and eight rebounds and Taylor Brown had 10 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds.