POCATELLO — Chinma Njoku came to life after a slow start.
Century’s star post player took over Thursday’s game against Highland in the second, third and fourth quarters. The junior post scored 22 of her game-high 24 points during that span, helping the home Diamondbacks erase an eight-point, third-quarter deficit in their 45-34 win.
Njoku shot 1 of 2 from the field in the first eight minutes, but finished the game with seven made field goals. She did most of her damage from the free-throw line, where she made 10 of 11 attempts.
“When she gets going, watch out,” Century coach Chris Shuler said. “She was the aggressor and set the tone. ... Sometimes I don’t think she understands how athletic she is. It’s awesome to have her.”
Njoku’s offensive eruption carried the Diamondbacks (14-6, 10-0 4A District 5-6) in the second half, when they outscored the Rams 33-14.
Highland (13-8, 5-3 5A District 5-6) led 27-18 with 4 minutes, 35 seconds remaining in the third quarter, but Century closed the frame on a 10-2 run to get within 29-28 after 24 minutes of play. Century added another 10-3 run in the first 4:18 of the final frame to earn a win in its regular-season finale.
The Rams made 6 of 27 shots in the third and fourth quarters and tied for their fewest-points scored in a game this season.
“In the first half, our defense wasn’t working,” Njoku said. “We weren’t talking or communicating. In the second half, we picked it up and worked on the little things. Everything fell into place.”
Century's Chinma Njoku fights for position with Highland's Allie Thayne (left) and Lexi Rowe (right) contesting her during their game this season at Century.
As the Diamondbacks stifled the Rams on one side of the floor, Njoku’s heavy lifting on the offensive end was the difference. The 6-foot-1 post used her athletic ability and quickness to grab loose balls and offensive rebounds, keeping possessions alive and wearing out the Rams.
If Njoku didn’t capitalize on an extra possession, her teammates made timely shots to keep the Rams on their heels. Century’s Lexi Bull scored seven of her nine points in the second half, while Abigail Christensen tallied all six of her points after halftime.
“If Chinma is going, we are all going,” Shuler said. “When she catches the ball, everyone collapses. She is the centerpiece. It works well.”
The Rams did not have the same offensive balance Thursday, as star guard Makenna Baker struggled to find her shot.
The junior went 8 of 26 from the field, including 4 of 17 in the second half, and finished with 17 points.
Highland's Makenna Baker dribbles during Thursday's game at Century.
No other Ram scored more than four points beside Allie Thayne, who added 10 points on nine shots. The senior post was limited to two points on three shots in the second half.
“We needed to get her the ball,” Highland coach Tony Green said. “We stayed on the perimeter on our possessions. We didn’t get paint touches. We completely went away from her. That was us trying to hit home runs.”
Thursday’s win marks the third consecutive season the Diamondbacks have split their two-game series with Highland. Before the 2015-16 season, the Diamondbacks were 0-10 against the Rams this decade.
Century has turned the tide, evening out the once one-sided rivalry game. In the teams’ last six games, the D-backs have outscored the Rams by an average score of 42.2-41.5. In the teams’ previous 10 matchups, Century was outscored an average score of 52.8-37.2.
“It feels good to beat Highland,” Njoku said. “It gives us bragging rights.”
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