By Coach Doug Helm
The Montezuma Bravettes traveled to North Mahaska on Tuesday, January 24 for a rivalry game to finish the season.
Monte had won the previous meeting 21-14. This game was a physical, hard-fought game for both teams.
Montezuma jumped out early as Sydnee Burgess found Vivian Cook for three on the first possession for an early lead.
The Warhawks went on an 8-0 run to finish the quarter to take an 8-3 lead. Monte took the lead back 11-10 when Cook hit another three with 4 minutes remaining in the second quarter.
But, North Mahaska finished the quarter strong. The Warhawks hit a buzzer-beater to take a 16-12 lead at halftime. Monte took their first lead of the second half when Burgess made a difficult shot to make the score 17-16.
Cook immediately stole the ball and cashed a 3-pointer to extend the lead to 20-16.
Turnovers had plagued the Bravettes in the first half but their ball handling decisions improved tremendously in the second half. With three minutes remaining, the Bravettes controlled the ball for over 30 seconds until Cook found Burgess for 2 points.
Within seconds Cook had the stolen the ball back, she went to Burgess who found Leah Urfer for a lefthanded layup.
The Bravettes were starting to take control leading 24-16. Cook & Lauryn Larmore would each make a free throw. Burgess broke the press to find Urfer for another layup as Monte led 28-18 with 20 seconds remaining. North Mahaska hit a late 3-pointer to make the final 28-21.
Monte shot 10-38 (26%) from the field, 3-20 (15%) from long distance and 5-11 (46%) from the free throw line. North Mahaska shot 10-26 (39%) from the field, 1-3 (33%) from long distance and 0-2 from the free throw line. The Bravettes edged the rebound battle 25-23. Monte forced 29 turnovers while having 19.
Vivian Cook led the way with 12 points including three 3-pointers and 10 steals. Sydnee Burgess battled her way to 6 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 5 steals and a block. Lauryn Larmore had 6 points and 3 steals. Leah Urfer had 4 points and a block.
The Montezuma Bravettes A-team finishes a strong season with an 11-1 record. In their two years in junior high, they never lost to a South Iowa Cedar League opponent.
7th graders win, too
Due to time issues, the 7th graders were allowed to play a regular half of basketball followed by an 8-minute running clock for the second half.
The 7th graders led 26-3 at halftime and won 30-13.
Lauryn Larmore led the way with 14 points including a 3-pointer. Sophia Semprini had 6 points. Ryanne Williams had 4 points including a 3-pointer. Alexa Rose had 4 points. Emma Snook scored 2 points.
The Montezuma Bravettes 7th graders finish their season 8-2.