Turner posts career-night; Broncbusters roll Pratt

By Mike Pilosof

Photo by Adam Shrimplin

Pratt, KS-During her four years on the high school varsity team, Keyhana Turner flashed the potential that made her a coveted recruit in the eyes of Antwain Scales. And while the freshman has put together a solid second half, Monday night was the culmination of more than a half-decade's worth of hard work.  

Turner notched her first-career double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds in 27 efficient minutes, Kealani Neves and Donetria McGee combined for 27 points, and Garden City blitzed Pratt, 73-55 at the Beaver Dome. The Broncbusters improved to 13-6 overall and 8-6 in conference play.

Scales' bunch, which had shot under 45 percent from the floor in six straight games, found their groove, finishing 34-of-67 (51 percent). They had a season-best 24 assists and turned the ball over only 12 times, their fourth fewest in a game this season.

The Broncbusters never trailed. They were up six after one, pushed it to double digits when McGee whipped a bullet pass to Turner for a two-handed layup early in the second; then made it a 20-point lead when the freshman post nailed a turnaround jumper to give Garden City a 35-15 advantage with 4:37 left in the frame. Justis Odom tipped in Neves's missed layup, Derryana Cobbins completed a three-point play, and the Broncbusters had a 42-17 halftime cushion.

Scales' team continued to pour it on in the third, and when Desiree Smith slipped a perfect pocket pass to Neves for an uncontested layup, Garden City had their largest lead of the night, 52-24 with 6:41 to play.

Neves scored 14 points on 7-of-17 shooting for the Broncbusters, which has alternated wins and losses in their last six games. McGee was 6-of-9 from the field, and Alexis Smith had six points, two rebounds, and four assists.

Cassie Onwughbufor scored 23 points for Pratt, which dropped to 2-16 overall and 1-13 in league play.

Next up: Garden City vs. Indy-Wednesday, Jan. 26-5:30 p.m. CDT