T-Wolves fall in Region III championship

Niagara County Community College came up one game short in its quest for the school's first Region III championship in women's basketball.

The visiting Thunderwolves, who led 17-16 after one quarter and trailed just 28-24 at the half, dropped a hard-fought 75-50 decision to top-seeded and undefeated Monroe CC (29-0) in the Region III Div. II championship on Sunday afternoon.

Sophomore forward Albanellys Perez finished with a game-high 17 points and nine rebounds, while freshman guard Alliyah Gillespie netted 16 points. Both players were named to the All-Tournament team for their efforts. 

In the semifinals, Gillespie had 18 points and four assists as NCCC breezed past Mercyhurst North East 68-46. Perez added nine points and 10 rebounds and freshman guard Peyton Butts chipped in with nine points, four rebounds and three steals.

Gillespie and Perez were each named first team All-Region III, while freshman wing Taliyah Hopkins was a second-team choice and Butts was picked for the third team. Head coach Nate Beutel was named Coach of the Year by his peers.

NCCC, which is ranked No. 14 in the latest NJCAA poll, finished with a school record 28 wins and advanced to its first title game in school history.