March 7, 2006
SPORTSNisbit’s hot play lifts women into playoffs
The Thunderbirds wasted little time edging Scottsdale Community College, defeating the Artichokes, 58-54 on Feb. 22.
It was the third consecutive win for MCC and helped lift the team to second place in the ACCAC Division II standings.
The women have also made it back into the NJCAA national rankings at No. 16 after falling out of the rankings for three weeks.
Early control of the ball was established by the Thunderbirds as they easily had 33 points by the end of the first half.
Consistency was key for the women, with Gabbie Garcia making 8 of 10 from the free throw line.
The Artichokes stepped up their game by taking every shot they could in the beginning of the second half. Yet, MCC’s zone defense stepped up big against Scottsdale.
Additionally, the Artichokes didn’t stand a chance against Jamie Nesbit’s rapid playmaking techniques.
Unfailing teamwork between Nesbit and her teammates proved to be a mighty tool for the Thunderbirds, allowing them to make necessary plays that not only contributed to scoring, but their credibility as team players as well.
Key mistakes on Scottsdales behalf included 21 turnovers, allowing the Thunderbirds to maintain their intentions of dominating the court.
A full-court press effort was exerted by the Artichokes, but that was clearly not a problem for the Thunderbirds.
Nesbit led all scorers, contributing a total of 26 points, including four three-pointers.
She has been on a tear of late, receiving the ACCAC Division II Player of the Week award for the second straight week.
She also received the award in January and should be in the running for ACCAC Player of the Year.
Her competition will come from No. 1 ranked Central Arizona College’s Aisha Mohammed and Danielle Green, who have also been three-time Players of the Week.
The Thunderbirds swept the regular season series with SCC, but will play them again on March 7, in the first round of the playoffs.
The game will be at MCC and begin at 7 p.m.
If the Thunderbirds advance they will play again on March 9 against the winner of the Chandler-Gilbert Community College and No. 4 seed game.
Volume 43, Issue 11. Today is
MCC point guard Jamie Nisbit duels with Ashley Buck of Scottsdale Community College as she brings the ball up court.
photos by Amanda Smith