New Rochelle, NY – The Dragons kicked off the Monroe College Mixer with a resounding 68-48 win over the Nassau Lions to start out the new year.

Howard started the invitational off as well as could be hoped as a hoop and harm layup by Sydnei Harmon (Largo, MD/Charles H. Flowers) followed by long range shots by Kalani Corkeron (Columbia, MD/Wilde Lake) and Nhaikyia Smith (Waldorf, MD/St. Vincent Pallotti) put the Dragons ahead 9-0 early. After the Lions finally got on the board to close the gap, Howard continued to splash threes as Rashelle Buynum (Columbia, MD/Oakland Mills) and Sarah Deese (Woodbine, MD/Century) added makes from behind the arc.
 
After the early barrage from deep, the Dragons worked the ball into the post more down the stretch as Mikiyah Mallett (Pasadena, MD/Old Mill) bullied her way through the paint, leading the Dragons on their way to 26 points in the paint and building up a lead that got as high as 24.
 
Mallett led the Dragons with 14 points while Smith nearly missed a triple-double with 10 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists. Harmon continued to increase her impact with 13 points while leading the Dragons with three steals and three blocks. Deese added 12 points and Corkeron finished with 11 as both players made three from deep.
 
The Dragons will look to continue their winning ways as they take on tournament hosts Monroe to close out the invitational at 5 PM on Sunday, January 8.