Knights Finish Regular Season Strong In 124-66 Victory

The CCBC Essex Knights Women's basketball team ended the regular season on a high note, defeating Montgomery College 124-66. The backcourt duo of Gissel "Gigi" Gamble, and Paige Smith scored seemingly at will as they combined for 72 points (40 from Gamble, 32 from Smith).

The first quarter began with the Knights defense setting the tone as they had 9 steals. Great defense led to easy offense for the Knights, as the dynamic duo of Gamble and Smith capitalized, finishing the first period with 13 and 10 points respectively.

The second half saw the Knights offense erupt for 44 points. Leading the charge was Gamble, scoring 18 points. She made six of her nine field goal attempts, and made three of her five three -point attempts. She also knocked down five of six free throw attempts. Right behind her was Smith with 12 points. The Knights were able to get to the line at will, drawing nine fouls which resulted in them going 12-14 at the line for the quarter. The strong offensive performance allowed the Knights to enter halftime with a 41-point lead.

The second half saw the Knights' backcourt duo pick up where they left off, with Smith scoring 10, and Gamble scoring 9. The Knights defense kept the Raptors in check for much of the game, and that was true in the second half as the raptors shot 4-22 in the third, and 8-26 in the fourth. Elite play on both sides of the ball allowed the Knights to win by a comfortable 58-point margin.

The Knights are an extremely tight knit group. "I believe in our team more than anything", said Paige Smith. That belief in one another has shown on the court throughout the regular season, and they'll need it to continue to show as they enter tournament play. The Knights are set to kick off the Region 20 tournament against Hagerstown Community College on Wednesday, March 5th at 12:00 PM.