Comets rock Hesston in hoops opener

Dandy debut: Comets freshman guard Destiney Teniente drives into heavy traffic during the first half of Cottey's 27 point victory Saturday over the Hesston Larks. (Photo by Ralph Pokorny/Daily Mail)

The Cottey Comets flattened the Hesston College Larks 68-41 in its season opening hoops contest Saturday afternoon at Hinkhouse Center.

Cottey (1-0) built a 23 point halftime lead, after outscoring the Larks 19-4 in the first quarter and 19-11 in the second quarter.

The third quarter was played to a 16-16 draw. The Comets then outscored the Larks 14-10 in the final frame. The Comets defense was stout, as they held cold-shooting Hesston to 21 percent from the field (15-of-70), and even an chillier 19 percent on 3-point attempts (5-of-27).

Meanwhile, the Comets connected on 40 percent of its field goal attempts (27-of-67), while knocking down seven triples. In addition, Cottey hammered Hesston on the glass, outrebounding the visitors 58-38. The Comets also came up with 11 steals, converting Lark turnovers into 19 points, compared to just one steal by Hesston.

Cottey held a decisive advantage in the paint, outscoring Hesston 38-16 in the low post.

Cottey's top returning player from last season didn't disappoint, as combo guard Kasey Acton filled the stat sheet with nine points, 13 rebounds, six steals, and four assists.

Comet freshman Destiney Teniente had an excellent debut. The 5-foot-4 guard out of Southwest High School in San Antonio, dropped in a game-high 13 points, (6-8 FG, 1-2 FT). Teniente's all-around effort included five rebounds, three assists, and a steal.

Freshman forward Malory Moles, who attended Adrian High School, finished with 11 points (4-7 FG, 1-2 3-Pt, 2-2 FT). Moles chipped in on the glass with nine rebounds, including three offensive boards, to go along with three assists and a steal.

Sophomore center Cheyenne Ortiz hit five shots from the field en route to 10 points, while also collecting 10 rebounds for Cottey. Sophomore Kelsey Acton concluded the game with seven points, three rebounds, an assist, and a steal. Chipping in with seven points apiece, were freshman Kim Robles and Alex Alvarez, and sophomore Kelsey Acton. Dezha Parker added four.

Up next

The Comets travel to Marshall, Mo., for their first road contest, as they face Missouri Valley College on Thursday, with tip off slated for 7 p.m.