Story’s Double-Double Powers Lady Rangers Past Dyersburg State

DYERSBURG, Tenn. – Behind a dominant double-double performance from Alorian Story and clutch late-game shooting, the Northwest Mississippi Community College women’s basketball team snapped a two-game losing streak Saturday afternoon, defeating Dyersburg State Community College 52-46.

The victory improves the Lady Rangers to 6-4 on the season, while Dyersburg State falls to 6-2.

Story proved to be the engine for Northwest, tallying a game-high 25 points and pulling down 14 rebounds. She also contributed on the defensive end with a block and a steal.

The game began slowly for the Rangers, who struggled against the Eagles’ perimeter shooting. Dyersburg State connected on four three-pointers in the opening quarter, holding Northwest to just six points to take a 12-6 lead into the second frame.

Story kept the Rangers afloat early, scoring the team’s first six points in the first quarter and opening the second quarter with a personal 6-0 run to tie the game. A free throw by Andrea Rios gave Northwest a brief 13-12 advantage, its first lead since the opening minutes. However, the Eagles responded with a 7-0 run to carry a 24-19 lead into halftime.

Northwest emerged from the locker room with renewed defensive intensity, denying Dyersburg open looks from beyond the arc. The defensive stand fueled the offense, allowing the Rangers to reclaim the lead midway through the third quarter on a three-pointer by Zoey Metcalf. The shot sparked a 14-5 run, pushing Northwest ahead 36-29.

The Eagles narrowed the gap early in the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit to 37-34 following a series of free throws. The Rangers responded with perimeter shooting of their own, getting back-to-back three-pointers from Dekyra Mitchell and Metcalf to extend the lead to 45-38.

While the teams traded baskets down the stretch, Story sealed the victory with a critical and-one play, pushing the score to 52-46.

Supporting Story’s effort, Layla Hampton filled the stat sheet with nine points, six assists, and 12 rebounds. Mitchell finished with eight points—all scored in the second half—while Metcalf added six points on two three-pointers.

Ball security played a major role in the win, with Northwest committing only 12 turnovers while recording seven steals defensively.

The Lady Rangers return to the road next week to face East Mississippi Community College in Scooba on Dec. 4. They will close out the home portion of their pre-Christmas schedule on Monday, Dec. 8, against Holmes Community College.

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