CHAMPAIGN, Ill. –Parkland women's basketball (24-6) advanced to the semifinals of the NJCAA Region 24 Tournament with an 80-47 win over John Wood CC (11-20).
 
Parkland led from the start, taking a 15-11 lead after one quarter, and extending that lead to seven points on 9-10 shooting in the second quarter. The Cobras shot 65% for the half, including 3-4 from the arc, and held the Blazers to 46%. Prior to the break, Peyton Crowe (19 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists) had 11 points, and Gema Alegre (12 points, 4 assists) had 9 points and 3 assists. Both teams struggled to handle the ball, combining for 25 turnovers in the half.
 
In the second half, Parkland's defense intensified, limiting John Wood to 4 points in the 3rd period, and four total baskets after halftime. Led by Naomi McDaniel (9 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 blocks), Cassie Russo (19 points, 8 rebounds), and Alex Specht (8 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks), the Cobras out-rebounded the Blazers 44-22.
 
Parkland finished the game shooting 58% from the floor, with 42 points scored in the paint. Lotte Miller (5 assists, 4 rebounds), Alegre, and Specht led the team to 25 assists on 32 baskets.
 
With the win, Parkland advances and will travel to East Peoria, Ill., to face the No. 1 seed, Illinois Central College, in the semifinals of the NJCAA Region 24 Tournament on Saturday, March 7th, at 2:00 pm.