GRCC’s women’s basketball team hosts Kellogg Community College tonight in the first round of NJCAA District G Tournament Action.  Both GRCC and Kellogg boast 6-10 conference records and rank 4^th and 5^th respectively in the MCCAA West.

The Raiders split with Kellogg during the regular season.  On the road in early January GRCC handily defeated the Bruins 68-54 led in scoring by freshman Kayla Rosinski who finished the night with 16 points.  Stephanie Stevens, now injured, recorded the second most points for GRCC with 15.

The second meeting on GRCC’s home court the Raiders allowed Kellogg to leave Hunsburger Arena with a narrow 61-58 win.  While they were missing their leading scorer in Stevens, her absence didn’t dictate the outcome of the game.  GRCC turned over the ball 29 times in their second meeting with the Bruins.  While only 1 more, and far too many in general, than the first meeting with Kellogg, the turnover margin was -9 for GRCC.

If the 2012-13 season has taught this young Raider team anything it is that they must control the ball to win games.  Period.

GRCC’s women’s team statistically records fewer points, rebounds, assists, and steals than their opponents.  They have a negligibly higher shooting percentage from both the arc and the rest of the floor, while holding a -6 turnover margin.

Those numbers, while not impressive, can yield wins when GRCC plays their style of ball.

How?

Simply stated, they play harder than their opponents. 

The Raiders dive for loose balls, attack the boards, hustle on each possession, and don’t take for granted any player on the floor.  What the Raiders lack in a singular super-star player they make for individually with grit and unselfish play.

The kind of play that allows GRCC to host a postseason game is the kind of play that allowed them to defeat Kellogg on the road in January.

Alyssa VandenBerge will need a night again where she gets to the line six times.  Against Kellogg in January VandenBurge delivered a ten point fifteen rebound double-double.  Danielle Goad finished with nine points and eight rebounds.  Danielle Harrison contributed seven points and nine rebounds.

If GRCC is able to play a physical game while keeping turnovers in check, having a strong presence in the post and forcing opponents to outwork them on each possession, they will be in a great position to win tonight’s game.

Tip off is scheduled for 6:00 PM