Avery Terwilliger made a decision two years ago that would shape the rest of her college career.

Terwilliger, a former multi-sport all-state athlete at Humboldt, returned to the area and joined the Iowa Central women’s basketball team.

Terwilliger, along with the rest of her sophomore class, were honored inside Hodges Fieldhouse Thursday night as the Tritons downed Little Priest Tribal, 73-59.

Brittany West had 17 points, Shariah Smith added 15 and Kira Ward grabbed 13 rebounds.

Terwilliger was forced to sit the first part of her freshman season, but has been a regular in the starting lineup since.

“Deciding to come back and play at Iowa Central was one of the best decisions I have made,” Terwilliger said. “I have enjoyed every minute of it and am thankful to have had this opportunity.

“Over the last couple of years, I have grown both physically and mentally as a player. Coach (Kelly) Kruger does a good job of preparing us for the next level.”

Terwilliger scored eight points with a pair of assists to help Iowa Central jump out to a commanding lead. Cearria Smith added 12 points, seven boards and four assists, with Justice Crooks chipping in eight points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals.

West, who Kruger has now since birth after coaching her father, echoed the thoughts of Terwilliger.

“Over the past two years at Iowa Central, I’ve developed a lot on and off the court, and I have Coach Kruger to thank for that,” West said. “The JUCO route is not easy, but it’s the best life decision I’ve made in my 20 years. I think my growth as a player all comes with the confidence I have with my game.

“Getting better in practice and workouts, and getting extra shots up allows me to feel confident in what I do on the court.”

The Minnesota native added “I’m really thankful for the relationships I’ve developed here the last two years because I’ll keep the special ones along the road. Iowa Central has done a lot for me and I’m hoping with in the next two weeks we can find it in ourselves to do something special for them.”

Iowa Central heads to Iowa Falls on Saturday to face Ellsworth before returning home Wednesday to battle Southeastern. They conclude the regular season on Saturday, March 2 at Des Moines Area.

IOWA CENTRAL 73, LITTLE PRIEST TRIBAL 59

Iowa Central — Justice Crooks 8, Shariah Smith 15, Kryssie Okinaka 2, Kira Ward 7, Brittany West 17, Ceairra Smith 12, Avery Terwilliger 8, Jessica Jackson 3, Jescenia Mosley 1.

Little Priest Tribal — Kylie McKinley 10, Rosalina Weinrich 3, Samantha Eddy 2, Talia Paytiamo 20, Amaya Leon 14, Tia Washburn 3, Deja Kie-Lorenzo 3, Lyndsay Harris 4.