Final: Cottey 79, HLGU 54
Cottey College delivered one of its most complete performances of the season on Saturday afternoon, rolling past Hannibal‑LaGrange 79–54 in an AMC matchup inside Hinkhouse Center. The Comets controlled the game from the opening tip, using a dominant first half and a balanced offensive attack to secure their third conference win.
Cottey opened with a 20–11 first quarter and followed it with a 27‑point second period, building a 47–22 halftime lead. The Comets shot 46.3% from the field, knocked down eight threes, and assisted on 17 of their 31 made baskets. Their defensive pressure also forced 24 HLGU turnovers, fueling transition scoring throughout the afternoon.
Cottey's Standout Performers
AuShae Farris — 21 points (game‑high), 5 threes
Farris was electric from the perimeter, hitting 5-of-9 from deep and providing the scoring punch that helped Cottey break the game open early. Her confidence and rhythm from long range set the tone for the Comets' offensive flow.
Ellaina LaNear — 18 points, 6 rebounds, 5 steals
LaNear continued her strong January play with another efficient outing, going 9-for-13 from the field. She was active on both ends, adding five steals and three assists while controlling the paint.
Andrea Aragon — 16 points, 2 threes
Aragon delivered one of her most efficient games of the season, shooting 6-of-9 and knocking down two threes. Her scoring helped Cottey build early separation.
Additional Contributions
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Brecklen Morrison — 6 points, 5 rebounds off the bench
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Ava Maner — 7 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals in 16 strong minutes
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Nevaeh Sanchez — 4 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal
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Gabrielle Burrus — 8 assists, 3 steals, and steady floor leadership
Cottey's depth was on full display, with 10 different players scoring and the bench providing valuable minutes.
HLGU was led by Mykaela Elliott, who turned in a standout performance with 25 points on 11-of-16 shooting. Ainsley Diepenbrock added 11 points and 7 rebounds, but the Trojans struggled to keep pace with Cottey's tempo and ball movement.
Looking Ahead
With the win, Cottey improves to 4–12 (3–4 AMC) and continues to build momentum as the conference schedule reaches its midpoint. The Comets return to action next week looking to extend their strong play and climb further up the AMC standings.
