Triumph and Controversy: North American Lady Stallions Prevail Over Jarvis Bulldogs
By NAU UMCR - February 1st, 2024
NAIA Red River Conference
In a thrilling rematch that captured the essence of competitive spirit, the North American Lady Stallions faced off against the Jarvis Lady Bulldogs in Hawkins, Texas. The anticipation was high, especially after the Bulldogs secured a narrow victory of 77-72 in their previous clash in Houston. The outcome of this rematch would not only be a testament to skill but would also reveal the character of the teams involved.
From the moment the Lady Stallions touched down in Hawkins, their focus and determination were evident. The first half of the game unfolded as a nail-biter, with the Lady Stallions managing to head into the locker room with a narrow one-point lead. The turning point came in the third quarter when NAU embarked on a commanding run, finishing with a six-point lead and setting the stage for their ultimate triumph.
As the ladies continued to dominate, the game took on a more physical nature. For those familiar with the Queens of the court, it's well-known that they thrive in challenging situations. The Lady Stallions secured their victory with a commanding lead, closing the game at 59-48.
Individual Brilliance:
Individual performances shone brightly on the court, with Keiarra Rivers demonstrating her prowess on both ends. Rivers showcased her defensive skills with 11 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 blocks, 2 assists, and a notable contribution of 13 points. Meanwhile, Victoria Moore, affectionately known as the Point Goddess, left her mark with 16 points, 4 assists, and 3 steals. Desiree Rogers added to the firepower with 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 blocks. We also would like to recognize our newest Lady Stallion, Taylor Brokenberry who is blending with the team as she slides into her new role as a swing and slashing guard. Taylor finished the game with 7 points, 3 rebounds and a steal. Welcome to the family Miss T, we are proud that you chose North American University.
Despite a challenging night beyond the arc, where the Lady Stallions only managed to convert 1 out of 10 attempts, they compensated by causing 24 turnovers, effectively keeping the Bulldogs check into the kennel.
Post-Game Controversy: Champions of Character at Stake:
The triumphant victory, however, was overshadowed by a disappointing post-game incident involving the Jarvis team. Rev. Justin C. Jackson, a seasoned SID, E Gaming and Soccer coach in the Red River Athletic Conference for four years, and the Executive Producer for Antler Sports Network expressed concern over the apparent lack of sportsmanship displayed by the Jarvis Christian College athletes.
Jackson highlighted a disturbing pattern of poor behavior exhibited by Jarvis teams in various sports, emphasizing the importance of the Champions of Character ethos in the Red River Athletic Conference. The interview called attention to a specific incident: the Jarvis team's refusal to participate in the traditional post-game handshake line. Jackson criticized this behavior, emphasizing the significance of upholding respect and mutual appreciation in the spirit of fair play.
In contrast, Jackson commended Texas College for their upcoming game, suggesting that they would represent the conference with dignity and respect. He concluded the interview with a passionate call to uphold the values of sportsmanship and competition, echoing the sentiment of "Hooves up!" as the Lady Stallions celebrated their hard-fought victory while urging respect for the game and opponents. You can watch the Lady Stallions play TC on The Texas College YouTube Channel on Saturday at 2 PM. See you there.
