Thunderwolves roll in regional semifinal

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Roy-Hart graduate Ellie Todd, left. and Albion grad Caitlynn Snook in action for Niagara County Community College during the host Thunderwolves Region III semifinal victory over Jamestown Community College.

Pulling away in the third quarter, top seeded Niagara County Community College went on to defeat visiting No. 4 Jamestown Community College 81-50 this afternoon in the semifinals of the Region III women’s basketball tournament.

Leading by a narrow two point, 24-22, margin after the first quarter, NCCC extended its advantage a bit to eight, 38-30, at the half as Paige Emborsky (Newfane) had two threes and a layup and Shilah Parker (Cheektowaga) two threes.

Newfane’s Paige Emborsky looks to drive for NCCC against Jamestown defender Taylor Phelps.

The Thunderwolves then broke the contest wide open by outscoring JCC 20-8 in the third period to open up a commanding 20 point, 58-38, margin at the three-quarter mark.

Kenetria Redfern (Cheektowaga), who has been named Region III Player of the Year, led that surge with 11 points. Redfern and Emborsky both hit threes in the stanza.

Redfern then tacked on 9 points, including a pair of threes, in the final stanza which also featured threes by Emborsky, Parker, Cori Dickson (Cheektowaga) and Molly Mahony (Lancaster) as Caitlynn Snook (Albion) chipped in with 2 points and 2 rebounds.

Redfern finished with a game high 26 points as Emborsky had 17, Parker 16 and Dickson 13.

Olivia Lynn led Jamestown with 24.

NCCC Coach Nate Beutel has been named Region III Coach of the Year.

Now at 30-0, NCCC will now face the winner of the No. 3 Genesee Community College vs. No. 2 Monroe Community College semifinal in the championship game at 1 p.m. Sunday.