Branch's 26-point outburst fuels Triton past Kennedy-King

Reclaiming a starting job at least for now, veteran guard Jada Branch tallied a game-high 26 points to lead the Triton College women's basketball team to an 81-51 victory over Kennedy-King College Nov. 18 at the Jorndt Athletic Complex gymnasium.

Filling in for an ill Jazzmine Smith, Branch hit 9-for-19 from the field while going 8-for-9 at the free-throw line as the Trojans took control of the game by the second quarter in a welcome victory amid a tough early-season schedule.

Triton is now 3-5 as Head Coach Drew Winston wanted to frontload with top opponents to better prepare the Trojans for the bruising style of play in postseason.

"We need to see the top teams early and continue to get better," said Winston.

Branch's big night was well-time after top scorer Smith was ruled out the morning of the game. And Kennedy King was 6-0 coming into the game.

"I know I haven't been playing good," Branch said. "Coming off the bench was something I was not used to. But I came out hungry tonight."

Winston was not surprised by Branch's productive outing.

"We know that's what she brings to the table," he said. "There is a lot of hard work she puts in."

Branch scored 15 in the first half as the Trojans seized the momentum with an 18-5 second quarter. Then they locked down the contest with a 25-14 third quarter as Triton completed its fifth straight win against Kennedy-King dating back to 2017.

Jayla Rankin and Alivia Brown also had good performances. Rankin had 20 points, including a trio of three pointers. Brown had 14 on 6-for-10 shooting. Branch and Rankin tied for assists leadership with six apiece. Jocelyn Tibbetts had 10 points. Charity Anderson led with 10 rebounds and four blocked shots.

Branch bought into Winston's strategy in toughening up early.

"I don't think our record has anything to do with how we've been playing," she said. "I think this will prove something in the region."

Seven of the first 10 games have been against teams, including several who are ranked, outside the region. The Trojans have the toughest strength of schedule for any Region 4 team regardless of division in the Massey Ratings index. Triton is still the highest-rated Region 4 Division I team by the Massey Index.

"I feel like we've become battle-tested," said Winston.

The Trojans journey to Boone, Iowa this weekend for the DMACC (Des Moines Area Community College) Classic. On the schedule are defending national Division II champion Johnson County Community College and Des Moines Area Community College. Then the Trojans take off for the Thanksgiving break.

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(Story by tritonathletics.com contributor George Castle)