MCC men's team 8-6 at break

The McCook Community College men's basketball team has an 8-6 record entering the mid-semseter break.

The Indians Casper College, Wyo., on Saturday 68-67 at the Region IX Shootout at North Platte.

Andre Goldberg, a sophomore, hit the game winner after Dundy County freshman Ben Shaw stepped up and hit his first 3-pointer of the year.

"The guys are starting to come together and play better," said MCC men's coach Ty Orton. "We have dropped some games that we hoped that we would not but we want to prepare for sub-region play.

"If we have problems I am glad that they are now and not during late January or February."

Brandon Butler is leading the region in field goal percentage at 65 percent. He is also top 10 in scoring at 17.5 points a game and top 5 in rebounding.

Goldberg is second in the region in assists with 5.5 per contest. Chris Marcu and Peere Shackelford are shooting over 40 percent from the 3-point line.

"This is a different team than last season," Orton said. "We are much more focused on defense, giving up 67 points and we are scoring 74."

MCC's inside game is much better with the addition of Ben Shaw, a 6-foot-8 athlete from Benkelman, who is averaging 7.6 ppg and 6 rebounds. He shoots 58 percent from the floor.

Cambridge freshman Marcus Vontz is also playing well for the Indians at the 2-3 spots. He averages 5.4 points and 4.4 rebounds.

"He is a pure shooter and one of our hardest workers," Orton said.

MCC women 5-9

The McCook Community College women's basketball team is 5-9 entering the break.

"This is a team that plays extremely hard and plays very good defense," said MCC women's coach Michelle Orton. "We do struggle from the field, shooting only 35 percent.

"This is a hard-working sophomore class that has bought into my program quickly."

The sophomores are led by Taryn Guererro who averages 10.4 ppg and 6.3 rebounds.

Point guard Shawna Quevedo plays nearly 35 minutes per contest. She averages 2 assists and shoots 70 percent from the free throw line. Susan Pachek averages 7 points and 4 rebounds.

"Freshman that are playing well are Erin Nealy who is an explosive 2-3 spot and Tricia Perryman, who is our fastest player and second leading rebounder with 3.4 per game," said Michelle Orton.

"We have played some very tough games before break. Western Nebraska, Colby College and Sheridan College, all powerhouses year in and year out.

"We look forward to seeing these girls compete next semester and seeing our freshman develop for the next level."

The MCC men and women return to action Jan. 6 with games at Hastings College against the Hastings junior varsity.