The Laramie County Community College (LCCC) women's basketball team wrapped up the first half of the 2025-26 campaign with a 7-7 overall record, showing resilience and flashes of dominance as they prepare for conference play.
Through 14 games, the Golden Eagles have averaged 71.1 points per game while holding opponents to 64.0 points, giving them a positive scoring margin. Offensively, LCCC has shot 37.4% from the field, 29.2% from three-point range, and 68.6% from the free-throw line. On the glass, the team has been strong, averaging 41 rebounds per game, slightly edging opponents in the rebounding battle.
Coach Danielle Rinaldo emphasized the importance of these fundamentals:
"Our ability to rebound and defend has kept us in games. When we control the boards, we control the pace, and that's something we'll continue to build on."
Recent Highlights
After a tough stretch in late November, which included close losses to Cisco College (65-63) and Western Nebraska (74-70), the Golden Eagles bounced back with a convincing 87-67 win over North Platte Community College on Dec. 5. They closed the semester on a high note with a dominant 78-39 road victory at Trinidad State College on Dec. 13, showcasing their defensive prowess and ability to control tempo.
Reflecting on the turnaround, Rinaldo said:
"Those close losses taught us a lot about composure. The response against North Platte and Trinidad State showed what we're capable of when we execute for 40 minutes."
Hannah Briskey has been the engine for LCCC, averaging 14.3 points and 6.6 rebounds per game, while shooting an efficient 43.7% from the field. Selenay Tanik adds balance with 9.9 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, providing steady production on both ends. Sabela Carro has emerged as a playmaker, contributing 8.1 points per game and leading the team with 35 assists. From beyond the arc, Julia Sanz Bonet has been a bright spot, hitting 38.7% of her three-point attempts.
On the team's depth, Rinaldo noted:
"We have multiple players who can step up on any given night. That versatility is a strength, and it makes us tough to scout."
Defensively, the Golden Eagles have been disruptive, averaging 11 steals per game, with Helena Salazar Meinesz and Briskey leading the charge.
"Defense is our backbone," Rinaldo said. "When we create turnovers and get out in transition, we're at our best."
With conference play looming, LCCC will aim to build on its recent momentum and tighten up ball security, as turnovers (17.8 per game) have been a challenge.
"Taking care of the basketball is priority number one," Rinaldo stressed. "If we limit mistakes and keep our defensive intensity high, we can compete with anyone in our league."