KILGORE — Kilgore College celebrated a successful basketball season with a non-conference double-header at Masters Gymnasium on Saturday, featuring a championship ring ceremony and the unveiling of a new banner. The event commemorated the women’s team, which earned their championship rings after winning the Region XIV Conference Tournament and advancing to the NJCAA National Tournament in Casper, Wyoming last spring.
Following the ceremony, the KC women decisively defeated the East Texas Baptist University (ETBU) Junior Varsity team with a score of 97-56. The men’s team continued the momentum by overpowering the Saint Thomas Junior Varsity with a resounding 102-44 victory.
Women’s Game Highlights
The Lady Rangers dominated the ETBU match from the outset, never trailing. They kicked off the game with a layup from Ja’Sani Green, quickly followed by a free throw from Anyla Herbert that ignited a 13-0 scoring run. By the end of the first quarter, Kilgore held a comfortable 32-15 lead and extended it to 64-33 at halftime.
Janiya Murphy led the scoring for Kilgore with 19 points, while Green contributed 17 points. Other notable performances included Brooklyn King with 15, and Madison Bob with 11. The team showcased strong defensive efforts, with Kelsie Magnum and Bob each grabbing five rebounds, and Rhylei Hendrick dishing out five assists.
Kilgore’s women will compete next at the Panola Classic, facing Pearl River at 17:30 on Friday, followed by a match against the Wiley Junior Varsity on Saturday.
Men’s Game Overview
The Rangers, fresh off a commanding win over Loyalty Prep the previous night, took control against Saint Thomas right from the start. After falling behind briefly, they responded with a quick 14-2 run, taking a lead they would not relinquish. By halftime, Kilgore was ahead 64-18.
Leading the scoring for the Rangers was Elijah Herron, who netted 19 points. Other contributors included Antoine Shannon with 16, Chidi Umeh with 13, and Antonio Shannon with 12. The team displayed strong rebounding, with Herron and Kaiden Myers pulling down eight and seven rebounds, respectively.
Antoine Shannon also facilitated the offense, providing five assists, while Herron and Myers made significant contributions on the defensive end with three steals each.
Looking ahead, the Rangers will host Grayson College at 18:00 on Tuesday, aiming to maintain their winning streak. Both teams at Kilgore College are poised to build on their recent successes as they navigate the upcoming challenges in the season.
