MARENGO – The boys got to play.
Just a half, during which the Iowa Valley junior varsity prevailed over the Brave JVs, 33-13 in basketball action on Monday, Dec. 7.
“We only got to play two quarters, but with everything going on with the pandemic and the injuries we have, I am very happy that we were able to play a game,” said Braves Coach Cal Smith.
Iowa Valley led 21-4 after one quarter and outscored Montezuma 12-9 in the second.
Sawyer Tindle scored five points for the Braves, Camden Michalek had four, Jack Erselius scored three and Jeremy Williams had one.
Michalek also led with five rebounds and two assists.
“We need to do a better job taking care of the basketball on offense and stopping the ball on transition if they get a rebound or steal it from us,” Smith said.
The Braves had 14 turnovers to Iowa Valley’s seven. Montezuma hung tough on the boards, trailing just 13-11 in rebounds.
“Even though we were behind the entire game, the boys competed,”” Smith said.
“It is easy, in my opinion, for players to give up when things are going wrong, like they have for us,” the coach said. “But I never sensed from the team that they were giving up – which is encouraging!”
UP NEXT – The Braves play at HLV in a quad situation on Tuesday, Dec. 8.