Storm dominate paint, win Beth Baker Classic

WHEATON, Ill. – Holding a 52–8 advantage in the paint, the Simpson College women's basketball team cruised to a 74-47 victory over Wheaton to claim the Beth Baker Classic Championship.

The Storm (2-0) got off to a fast start and took a 13-0 lead just over six minutes into the contest. Simpson opened the second quarter with another quick surge, pushing its lead to 20 and carrying a 38-16 advantage into halftime. The Storm maintained control in the second half, outscoring the Thunder (2-2) 36-31 to secure the 27-point triumph and sweep the Classic.

Averaging 19.5 points, 3.5 assists and 2.5 steals across Simpson's two wins, Maddax DeVault was voted MVP of the tournament. Sophomore Ella Anderson was also named to the All-Tournament Team.

KEY CONTRIBUTORS

• Ella Anderson: 18 points, 7 rebounds
• Maddax DeVault: 17 points, 4 assists, 2 steals
• Doryn Paup: 9 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists
• Taylor Hansen: 8 points, 4 stl, 3 rebounds, 2 assists
• Reagan Grimsley: 7 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds

NOTES

• Simpson outscored Wheaton 52-8 in the paint while shooting 47.0 percent from the floor.
• The Storm improve to 4-0 all-time against the Thunder. This was the first meeting between the two squads since the 2012-13 season.
• Head coach Brian Niemuth is now four wins away from becoming the 12th Division III women's basketball coach to reach 700 career victories.
• Simpson opens the season 2-0 for the first time since 2021-22.

UP NEXT
Simpson hosts Wis.-Eau Claire for its home debut next Saturday, Nov. 22 at 6 p.m.