It's been 18 months since Priscilla Williams moved from Katy, Texas, to Branson and immediately became perhaps the most highly-touted hoopster in COC history.

Over those 18 months, COC teams heard all about the 6-foot-3 phenom, her 51 points against Camdenton and her ranking among the top 10 juniors in the nation. But most COC teams are seeing her for the first time this season, since she was suspended and withdrew from school before conference play got started a year ago. 

In Nixa's case, the Lady Eagles surely could have benefitted from experience facing Williams prior to Monday. They were admittedly intimidated by her defensive presence while falling to Branson 40-36.

The 36 points is a season-low for Nixa (16-6 overall and 3-2 in the COC).

"Whenever we play big teams, that gets in people's heads," Lady Eagles guard Gabby Nielsen said. "Basketball is not all physical, it's mental, too. If you're not thinking positively, that will put your shot off. I think she was in a lot of people's heads. I think we were scared."

Nixa repeatedly passed up shots in the paint and seldom looked to attack against Williams, even after she drew her third foul.

"That was our gameplan, attack, attack, attack," Nielsen said. "Not only were we trying to attack her on offense, we were trying to attack her on defense and take charges. It's hard, though, against someone like her. She's a D-I athlete."

Williams blocked a handful of shots. The Lady Eagles attempted just one shot-fake against her all night.

Compounding Nixa's offensive woes was their 3-of-17 shooting from 3-point land. The Lady Eagles started the night 1-of-10 shooting 3s and managed just 14 points in the first half.

Nielsen scored a team-high 14 points. No one else from Nixa had more than five.

Williams didn't have an exceptional offensive night by her standards. She scored 26 points while making 9-of-11 free throws.

Williams and the Lady Pirates (12-9 and 3-2) struggled with turnovers, but converted just enough on fast-break opportunities against Nixa's full-court pressure. 

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BRANSON (40) — Grimm 0 1-2 1, Williams 8 9-11 26, Pardeck 4 1-3 9, Lashley 0 1-3 1, Goodwin 1 0-2 3. Totals 13 12-21 40.

NIXA (36) — Nielsen 4 6-7 14, Copeland 1 1-2 5, Edwards 1 1-2 3, Yantis 2 0-2 4, Seiden 1 0-0 3, Sportsman 1 2-3 5, Thomason 1 0-0 2. Totals 11 10-16 36.

Branson 8  10  9  13 - 40

Nixa       7   7  13  9  - 36

3-point goals — Williams, Goodwin, Sportsman, Seiden, Copeland.