Timberwolf Women Set Scoring Record in Thrilling 95-92 Overtime Victory
PETOSKEY – The Timberwolves Women’s Basketball (1-4) team secured their first victory of the 2025-26 season in historic fashion on Thursday night, outlasting Oakland Community College (0-4) 95-92 in a pulse-pounding overtime battle at Petoskey Plastics Arena.
The thrilling victory was fueled by a dominant presence on the glass, as the Timberwolves hauled in a program-record 81 total rebounds, overpowering an OCC team that relied heavily on perimeter shooting.
The game was a tight contest from the opening tip. While the Timberwolves struggled with high turnovers (44 total), they consistently neutralized OCC's fast-paced offense, which attempted an unprecedented 73 three-pointers on the night.
The lead changed hands multiple times in a tense fourth quarter. With the game tied at 78-78, OCC missed a go-ahead free throw in the final seconds of regulation, sending the game into an extra five-minute period, where North Central’s grit shone brightest.
In overtime, the Timberwolves took command, outscoring Oakland 14-11. A steady stream of key baskets from Arika Taylor (Joliet, IL/Joliet Central) and fellow guard Ceara LeBlanc (Brimley/Brimley), combined with crucial free throws, kept the distance.
With time winding down, LeBlanc stepped to the line and knocked down the final free throws, providing the breathing room necessary to seal the 95-92 win and etch the 2025-26 team into the history books with their record-shattering performance.
The victory, while messy at times, proved NCMC's ability to fight through adversity to secure a landmark win at home.
Statistical Leaders
- Taylor led the Timberwolves with 22 points and had 11 rebounds to be one of three Timberwolves recording a double-double on the evening.
- Evelyn VanTol (Frankfort/Frankfort) scored 20 points and dominated on the boards with 19 rebounds.
- Cadence Cullen (St. Ignace/LaSalle) had 16 points paired with 15 rebounds.
- 5 Timberwolves scored double digits in the victory – LeBlanc had 12 points, and a team high 5 assists while Sammy Marshall (Houghton Lake/Charlton Heston) had 10 points.
Up Next
The Timberwolves host Kellogg CC (1-2) on Saturday, November 15th at 1:00 p.m. Following that game the team will be on the road for the next two months before finally having a home game again in January.