SEMO throttles William Woods in final non-conference game

SEMO huddles before their Dec. 31 game against William Woods.

Photo Courtesy of Carrie Trovillion - Freelance Photographer

The SEMO Women’s basketball team defeated the NAIA William Woods Owls 102-50 on Tuesday afternoon at the Show Me Center.

Four different Redhawks scored in double figures, and SEMO scored 100 or more points for the first time since the 2017 season.

The Redhawks were led on offense by Skylar Barnes and Zoe Best who each finished with 22 points. Barnes said she took what the defense gave her and attacked the basket when she had open opportunities.

“I saw that a lot of them [defenders] were flat and when you move the ball, and you move around without the ball, it gets you a lot of open areas, hidden gaps, stuff like that. Once you have that basketball IQ, you'll be able to do it all the time,” Barnes said. “I just tried to stay locked in, keep up my intensity and not give up on the play.”

SEMO got things going quickly against the less-skilled opponent, jumping out a 10-2 lead before closing the first quarter with a 26-12 lead. The Redhawks subbed in every available player throughout the game, giving them a chance for big minutes before conference play continues.

SEMO head coach Briley Palmer said it was important to see the subs play because it gave them a chance to realize the things they do in practice have prepared them for game opportunities.

“What they do in practice, that's where we gage trust and things like that. For example, Alex McGarrah, hit a bunch of shots yesterday in practice, and that transferred into the game today. Teaching my kids that, what you do at practice is what's going to get me to trust you for the game,” Palmer said. “Then she goes in and hits some shots and kind of puts it all together. I was happy for kids like that, and to see everybody supporting each other, that's always something that you want to see as a coach.”

Another one of those bench players who came in and had themselves a day was Lexi McCully, who finished just shy of a double-double. McCully had eight assists and eight points but passed the ball for many other shots that just did not drop. McCully said she just wants to do anything she can to help the team win games.

“I think getting back into this point guard bag, or this facilitator, whatever I need to do, I think it gives me a lot of confidence. I'm seeing my teammates, I'm seeing where they want the ball,” McCully said. “Skylar is finishing well, so I'm giving her the ball in great spots. It gives me confidence, it gives us a better connection and I think it's a perfect snowball into the next game.”

SEMO’s next game is an Ohio Valley Conference game against Tennessee State at 5 p.m. on Thursday in Nashville, TN.