NICEVILLE, Fla. — Halloween night belonged to the Raiders as the No. 1 Northwest Florida State Women’s Basketball team opened its 2025-26 campaign in commanding fashion, defeating Volunteer State 90-35 at Raider Arena.
Making her Raider debut, Niyla Wilkins put on a show, leading all scorers with 23 points while helping pace an explosive Northwest Florida offense that shot a scorching 68.0% from the field. The Raiders’ defensive pressure was equally impressive, holding the Pioneers to just 23.5% shooting (12-51) and forcing 26 turnovers, which led to 38 points on the other end. On the glass, the Raiders were dominant, winning the rebound battle by 22 and hauling in 37 total boards.
Wilkins headlined the performance, but several other Raiders made their mark. Freshman Khoudia Diagne impressed in her first collegiate game, finishing with 10 points and seven rebounds, while Shakira Gresham added 21 points, three rebounds, and two steals. Kamryn Corporan was her usual steady self, stuffing the stat sheet with seven points, six steals, and four assists, and Ka’Zahria Johnson chipped in seven points, five rebounds, and three blocks.
First Half
After a sluggish start offensively — missing six straight shots following their first basket — the Raiders found their rhythm midway through the opening quarter. A string of buckets from Corporan, Johnson, and Diagne helped push the lead to 11-0, and by the end of the first period, Northwest Florida led 18-4.
In the second quarter, the Raiders continued to pour it on. Justine Kinzonzolo-Mistura scored back-to-back baskets before Diagne knocked down a three to extend the lead to 20. Wilkins then closed the half strong, scoring eight of the team’s final 11 points to give Northwest Florida a 38-13 advantage at the break.
Second Half
The Raiders opened the third quarter with three straight scoring possessions before cooling off briefly. A timely and-one layup from Carrington Jones reignited the offense, and Wilkins followed with six consecutive points to stretch the lead to 33. By the end of the period, Northwest Florida was in full control, leading 59-24.
The fourth quarter was the Raiders’ most efficient of the night. They went 12-of-13 from the field, including 2-of-2 from three and 5-of-7 from the free-throw line, closing the game on a dominant run to seal the 90-35 victory.
Up Next
The defending national champions will take a brief break before returning home for another Raider Classic, Nov. 8–9. The Raiders will face No. 7 Lawson State on Friday, followed by Miami Dade on Saturday.
