TONKAWA, Okla. - The Independence Women's Basketball team jumped out to a big lead and was able to hold off a furious fourth quarter comeback from NOC-Tonkawa to clinch their first win of the season. 

Fresh off the heels of an 0-2 opening weekend, the Lady Pirates took on a Tonkawa team who had dropped a pair of games to KJCCC opponents already early in their season. 

Independence chipped away much of the game, winning each of the first three quarters by slim margins, but collectively holding an 11 point lead going into the fourth quarter. The Mavericks stepped up their defense in the fourth and final quarter, holding the Pirates to a game low 13 points in the quarter. Ultimately the Pirates were able to ice the game down the stretch and hold on for a 71-68 victory, their first of the 2025 season. 

Both teams shot the ball at nearly an identical rate, with the Pirates shooting 37% from the field to the Mavericks 36%. The Mavericks did have the slight edge from the three point line and free throw line, but the Pirates were able to cause 28 turnovers that helped give them the three point edge. 

Mimi White led the way with 16 points, while Danaiya Stillwell-Smith pitched in 11. Jade Oliney did a little bit of everything for the Pirates as she had 12 points, six rebounds, eight assists, and added six steals. 

The Pirates now prepare for a big next week, as they will travel to take on Fort Scott on Monday before heading to Hobbs, New Mexico for the New Mexico JC Classic, where they will square off with national powerhouse New Mexico JC.