Keyser, WV - The Howard Community College women's basketball team soared to a 92-56 victory over the WVU Potomac State Catamounts, etching their name in the program's record books. This win marks the best program start in Dragons history, with a dominant 7-1 record in conference play. Unbeaten in Division II competition, the Dragons boast a perfect 4-0 record and sit proudly atop the Division II, Region 20 standings with a clean 5-0 record. 

Things get heated up early for the Dragons after an 11-0 run, fueled by driving force Mikiyah Mallett (Pasadena, MD/Old Mill). Her drive to the basket resulted in a successful shot and a drawn foul, earning her an additional point from the free throw line. Dragons leading the Catamounts comfortably 16-5 with 4:10 remaining in the first quarter. As action continues, the Catamounts looked to claw their way back coming within eight points of the Dragons, but a number of missed shot attempts unable to capitalize on their chances. With 35 secs left in the 1st, Jenna Ehlers (Philadelphia, PA/Solanco) sinks a clutch 3-pointer to extend the Dragons lead to 11 by the end of the 1st quarter.

The Catamounts come from the short break with a surge of energy, as they went on a 10-0 run to cut the lead to just two points with 1:20 remaining. However, unfazed by the pressure, Kayla Allen (Sykesville, MD/Liberty) responds with her third 3-pointer of the game, to bring her current points to 11. Dragons maintain their lead of 40-31 heading into halftime. 

The Dragons return from halftime ready to play, and Allen once again heats things up on offense. She sank her fourth three-pointer of the night to extend the lead for HCC even further. However, the Catamounts own, Kelly Ours responds with a three-pointer of her own to keep the Dragons within close range at 45-34 with 8:45 remaining in the third quarter. But the steadfast Dragons begin to reassert their dominance, controlling the pace of the game. Lania Nick (Annapolis, MD/Glen Burnie) with a timely three-pointer increases the Dragons lead once more by 16. Mallett showcasing her skills once more with a quick euro-step to the rim, adding another two points to the scoreboard. The final seconds of the third quarter saw Sydnei Harmon (Largo, MD/C.H. Flowers) and Allen put up two quick buckets in the paint to solidify control in the third. Dragons lead 63-44 heading into the fourth. 

A 6-0 run for the Dragons in the opening minute of the fourth calls for a Catamount timeout, where the Dragons now lead 69-44. Dragons continue to apply pressure, with a commanding deep three by Nick bringing the Dragons lead to 26. The Dragons kept their foot on the gas throughout the fourth quarter, leaving no room for the Catamounts to mount a comeback. With 4:29 remaining, a bucket in the paint by Ginikachi and a three-pointer from Jaylah Putman (Jacksonville, FL/Long Reach) propelled the Dragons to their second-largest lead of the game, 84-50. Dragons gained possession with under thirty seconds on the clock and their win was solidified. A 92-56 win over the Catamounts of WVU Potomac State rewrites history for the Howard Community College women's basketball team. 

The Dragons soared to victory with a balanced scoring effort, featuring six players in double figures. Nhaikyia Smith (Waldorf, MD/St. Vincent Pallotti) led the way with her first double-double of the season, recording 12 points, 11 assists and 7 rebounds. Allen was the Dragons leading-scorer with 18 points, and added 3 rebounds and 1 steal. Nick followed close behind with 13 points, 5 rebounds and 2 steals.

Mallett and Harmon both contributed 12 points, with Mallett grabbing five rebounds and Harmon pulling down six boards. Putman shot a perfect 3-for-3 from beyond the arc and 3-for-4 from the field, finishing with 11 points. Ehlers and Asaani Offer (Annapolis, MD/Catonsville) both tacked on six points and Ginikiachi Anierobi added 2 points to the winning effort.

A bit of a break for the Dragons, but they are preparing for a double-header road trip to Essex, Maryland. On Saturday, December 16, they'll face the Union College Owls at 12:30 PM, followed by a showdown with the Harcum College Bears on Sunday, December 17, also at 12:30 PM.