The Lady Indians (NJCAA #3; FCSAA #2) jumped out to a 22-1 lead in the first six minutes of the game and never looked back. The Chipola women opened the 2021-2022 season with a thrashing of Denmark Tech, 120-24, on Monday night at The Milt.
Three returning members of the defending 2021 FCSAA Champions turned in career nights, led by sophomore Ta'Shonna Wright-Gaskins from Reading, Pennsylvania. Wright-Gaskins led all scorers with 31 points. Jordan McLaughlin registered a triple-double scoring 25 while dishing out 11 assists and grabbing 10 steals. Shimei Muhammad had 15 for the Lady Indians and juist missed a double-double with eight steals.
Newcomer Ashley Baez also had a stellar night. The 5'6" guard from Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic added 15 in the rout of the Lady Panthers from Denmark, South Carolina.
Harlem, New York native Shcira Fowles made her debut for the Lady Indians by just missing a double-double. Fowles scored nine and owned the boards with 21 total rebounds.
"I thought we played hard for 40 minutes," said Coach Greg Franklin after the game. "It wasn't perfect but it was a great effort. I really like how our team shares the ball."
The career night from Wright-Gaskins did not come as a surprise to Coach Franklin.
"I've been saying for weeks that I'm glad I don't have to play against Ta'Shonna. Athleticism and skill are definitely coming together for her and I'm anxious to see how good she can get."
The Lady Indians will be back in action on Tuesday when they host East Georgia State College at 5 PM. The Lady Bobcats (0-1) lost to Pensacola State College, 71-56, in the first game of the day's tripleheader at The Milt. Denmark Tech (0-1) will take on the Lady Pirates in the first game on Tuesday at 3 PM.
GAME NOTES
- The 120 points scored by Chipola was their highest total since the home opener of the 2015-2016 when the Lady Indians defeated Pinella County Job Corp, 145-17.
- Ten of the twelve Lady Indians that played in the season opener scored.
- Chipola is 10-0 on Opening Night under Head Coach Greg Franklin.