Women's Basketball: Knights End Home Slate 10-0, Down Hawks 108-72

By Cole Blackwell

Baltimore County, Md. -- As the final home game of the regular season wrapped up last night for CCBC Essex against Region XX opponent College of Southern Maryland, Knights' head coach Mike Seney said "I haven't pinched myself yet. I texted [CCBC Essex Athletic Administrator] Greg Witkop and told him 'man, what a year we're having."' 

What a season indeed, as after dispatching the Hawks last night 108-72, No. 12 Essex is now 26-2 overall, extended its win-streak to 15 and finished 10-0 at home. Not bad for a program reboot. 

After their regular season finale next week at Hagerstown, the Knights will look onward to the NJCAA Region XX Division II Tournament where expectations for this team will be high after such a historic season.

As for last night's game against Southern Maryland, Kendal Haggerty (Urbana) had a double-double on a game and career-high 24 points and 11 rebounds. She shot 50% (7-14) from behind the arc. She also tallied four steals and four blocks during the game.

Sophomore captain Kasey Gagan (St. Raphael Academy) finished her final home game with 21 points, seven rebounds, and four steals. After the game, she applauded the fans saying "we had a lot of support." 

The bench was also a major factor in contributing to the team's success, as both Kobie Scott-Pearson (Oakland Mills) and Maciyah Washington (Bowie) put up double digits in points, finishing with 12 and 11, respectively.

Essex's bench outscored Southern Maryland 32-11. 

College of Southern Maryland found their way to the free throw line with ease, as they attempted 35 shots and converted 25, while Essex made it to the line only 10 times and converted nine.

"It's been a real special year for me and my team," said sophomore and Knights' leading scorer this season Mya Moye (Anacostia). "To be a new team and come out and beat great teams, it's been very special." 

Moye finished with 18 points and four rebounds.

Six of the Knights' eight participants finished in double-figure scoring, including sophomore Rayah Fink (Dover) who had 13 points and was one rebound shy of recording a double-double. 

Sophomore Aislinn Flynn (Long Island Lutheran) and freshman Daysha Reid (Thomas Johnson) were sidelined with flu-like symptoms. 

The Knights now lead the nation in three-pointers made (347-1057) after last night.

Expectations, as coach Seney has expressed, are to win the Region XX tournament and play at St. Clair Community College (Port Huron, Mich.) in the NJCAA Division II Women's Basketball Championships.

For now, the Knights will look to extend their streak to 16 next week at Hagerstown.