In a thrilling contest on March 20, 2025, the State Fair Community College women’s basketball team maintained their undefeated record by defeating Mineral Area College 68-62 in Park Hills, Missouri. The Roadrunners, ranked 12th in the nation, improved their record to 20-0 and 5-0 in conference play, showcasing their resilience against a determined Mineral Area squad.
The game saw the Cardinals rally multiple times, nearly achieving a signature win as they tied the score at 50-50 with 8:55 remaining in the fourth quarter. However, timely three-pointers from Ellie Buscher and Chloe Reed helped the Roadrunners pull away in the closing moments.
State Fair’s defense was a key factor in their victory, forcing Mineral Area into 20 turnovers while only committing 11 themselves. Despite relinquishing a substantial 14-point lead, the Roadrunners managed to regain control when it mattered most.
Buscher led State Fair with 15 points and secured seven rebounds. Her teammate, Sophia Edwin, contributed with 14 points. The game featured pivotal plays from both teams, including a defensive stand by Zoe Newland, who pressured the Cardinals into critical mistakes late in the game.
Mineral Area’s Mariah Dallas emerged as the game’s top scorer, finishing with 18 points. Her performance in the paint, combined with a strong rebounding effort, highlighted the Cardinals’ competitive spirit throughout the match. Despite their efforts, the team struggled from beyond the arc, finishing with just 2-of-18 shooting from three-point range.
The game reached its climax when Reed hit a crucial three-pointer with 19 seconds left, creating valuable breathing room for the Roadrunners. Although the Cardinals managed to narrow the deficit to 61-60, they could not overcome State Fair’s late-game execution.
Teammate Karma Jones also contributed effectively with a team-high six assists, while P.J. Reutzel and Presley Holweg each delivered notable performances. Holweg recorded 12 points and 11 rebounds, despite facing challenges from turnovers.
The Roadrunners headed into this match knowing the importance of the upcoming showdown against Three Rivers, a key meeting in Region 16. With their solid performance, State Fair demonstrated their readiness to face the challenge ahead.
As the Cardinals briefly step away from regional play, they will travel to Wabash Valley for a rematch, looking to regroup and improve on their current 12-8 record, which stands at 1-4 in the region. The outcome of this game serves as a reminder of the competitive nature of NJCAA basketball, where every possession counts, and teams must capitalize on opportunities to succeed.
