February 27th, 2008

ICC Sports Information

for immediate release

 ICC Downs Neosho 76-53

Independence, KS-   The Independence Pirates downed the Neosho County Panthers 76-53 and put themselves in position for a chance to share the Jayhawk East Championship.  Indy would need some help though, as the Cowley Tigers are leading the Pirates by one game in the standings with one conference game remaining.  Cowley travels to Neosho to play their final regular season contest and ICC hosts the Allen County Red Devils.  Both Neosho and Allen are fighting for the final home playoff birth on the Eastern side of the conference.  Independence has locked up the #2 East seed for the Region Tournament with a win over the Panthers and could share the conference title with a Pirate win and Cowley loss.

ICC jumped out to a 22-point half-time lead over the Neosho County Panthers and would not look back.  ICC led by as many as 28 points in the contest and got back to playing some aggressive man-to-man defense.  Antonio Hanson led the way for the Pirates with 17 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals.  James Bush followed with 13 points and 11 rebounds.  Mekan Moss scored 12 points and Donald Rowe followed with 10 ppints.

With the win, Independence improved to 24-5 (15-2).  Independence will host the Allen County Red Devils on Saturday, March 1st at 7 pm. for their final regular season contest.