Women's Basketball Finishes 20-2, Undefeated in Conference Play
Council Bluffs, Iowa
The Iowa Western Women's basketball team completed their regular season last week after defeating Southwestern Community College 73-56. The win brings the Reivers' record to 20-2 on the season and moves their win streak to 15 games. The team was undefeated in Region XI conference play, holding only two losses to ranked opponents. The Reivers will look to use their experience and confidence from regular-season play to catapult them into post-season play.
The Reivers, who are currently ranked No. 25 in NJCAA Division 1 women's basketball, have been led by their experienced starting line-up and depth on the bench.
This year's squad can be defined by their unselfish, high-scoring offense and transition offense. The Reivers are currently 10th in the Nation for field goal percentage and 15th in the Nation for assists at 17.3 per game.
Sophomore point guard, Arielle McElroy, has been instrumental in pacing the team's offense averaging 3.1 assists per game, 7.6 points per game, and shooting 40% from the field. Her assist to turnover ratio earns her the 17th spot in the Nation at 2.8.
Standout Sophomore transfer, Gabriella Smith, has also been pivotal in the Reiver's offense, averaging 15.5 points per game, shooting just under 40% from three-point land and 50% from the field.
The team's second-leading scorer and starting guard, Hayley Berfield, is averaging 10.6 points per game and shooting 33% from three. Berfield also leads the team in steals at 2 per game. Berfield's defensive intensity has also helped push the Reivers to be a top team in the Nation defensively, holding the 7th spot for points per game allowed (52.2).
Guard play is just one of the strengths for the Reivers, as their height and size inside has also been unstoppable. 6'5 Center, Isnelle Natabou, is averaging 9.7 points per game. Sophomore transfer Geassy Germano is also chipping in 8.2 points per game, and grabbing 6.5 rebounds per game. Germano's consistency is evident in her National ranking at 4th for field goal percentage (62%).
Other impact players to watch include Dustie Obah, Ayreona Carter, and Ruba Abo Hashesh.
The Reivers, who earned a first-round bye, will host the Region XI Championship game on Tuesday, April 6, 2021. The Reivers will play host to Northeast Community College. Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m. CST.
After winning on Tuesday, the Reivers would host the North Central District Championship game on Saturday, April 10th.
Follow the action and team updates on social media:
Twitter https://twitter.com/ReiverWBB
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/reiverwbb/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ReiverWBB
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