By Coach Doug Helm
BAXTER – A last-minute basket gave the 8th grade Bravettes a 29-27 victory over previously unbeaten Baxter in the regular season finale on Tuesday, Feb. 2.
The game matched two of the top Class 1A girls teams in central Iowa. The Bravettes entered the game with a 5-2 record.
The teams went back and forth in the first quarter. Ellen Cook hit a late three-point basket to give the Bravettes a 6-5 lead.
The Bolts dominated the second quarter, with Montezuma trailing by as many as eight points.
Harlea Pargeon made a late power move in the paint as the Bravettes trailed 20-14 at halftime.
Montezuma turned up the defense in the second half. Late in the quarter, an Ellen Cook pass found Kylee Larmore, who hit a triple to pull Montezuma within one point. Baxter led 24-23 heading into the fourth.
Both teams fought hard to the finish. Montezuma trailed by two points with 1:30 left to play. The Bravettes were pressing full court, and as the pressure of the game situation mounted, a Baxter player became confused and shot at the wrong basket. Cook quickly scooped up the ball and wisely scored it for the Bravettes to tie the score.
Montezuma stopped the Bolts and had the ball with 27 seconds left. Cook found Shiressa Wetering with a pass deep in the corner. Wetering handed back to Cook.
The defenders switched. Cook found Wetering with a pass under the hoop. As Shiressa caught the ball, she was double-teamed. She pivoted away and finished with her left hand to win the game.
It was a very exciting victory to end the Bravettes’ season!
The Bravettes struggled in shooting, going 11-for-52 for 21%, including 2-for-12 from three-point range and 5-for-6 from the free throw line.
Baxter shot 9-for-23 for 39 percent. The Bolts did not attempt a three-pointer and were 9-for-15 from the line.
Baxter edged Montezuma 30-29 in rebounds. Montezuma had 11 turnovers, while helping to create 21 for the Bolts.
Shiressa Wetering dominated in the paint. She scored 13 points, had 10 rebounds and blocked a shot.
Ellen Cook had a great match-up at point guard. Both girls played well, with Ellen getting 9 points, 4 assists and 6 steals.
Harlea Pargeon played a strong defensive game. She also scored 4 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and had 3 steals. Kylee Larmore connected on a big three-pointer.
The Bravettes finish their season with a strong 6-2 record. They were 8-4 as 7th graders, so they finish their two-year career at 14-6. They are a talented group and should do well at the next level.
