THORNBURG – Tri-County never stopped hustling, but Montezuma’s defense never rested in a 53-14 Bravettes win on Thursday evening, Feb. 3.
The game was the final South Iowa Cedar League contest for the Bravettes, who finished at 14-2 against the league.
Montezuma held the Trojans (3-16 overall, 1-15 league), to single digit scoring in each quarter.
“Tri-County was disciplined and definitely took the air out of the ball,” Bravettes Coach Janel Burgess said. “They had a great game plan against our posts and it made us grow in this area.”
Montezuma led 13-4 after one quarter and 32-9 after a 19-5 second quarter. It was 47-13 through three.
Shanae Wetering paced the Bravettes with 21 points and Jadyn Sharer scored 9.
Wetering was 7-for-14 from the field and 4-for-4 from the line on her way to 21 points. As a team, the Bravettes got to the line, and sank 11 of 14 free throws.
Tri-County showed organization and patience on offense. But Montezuma’s tight man-to-man defense didn’t allow the Trojans many good looks at the basket.
The Bravettes pressed only briefly, a trap press clamped on after Montezuma had gone cold for a couple minutes of first half action.
“We are eager to continue to get better,” Burgess said. “We have so much room for growth and now we will finish up the regular season strong. We have two great opponents on Friday and Monday before post-season. Let the journey continue!”
Nine Bravettes scored points. Next in line came Mia Boulton with 7 and Korrinn Kehoe with 4.
Montezuma took its overall record out to 16-3 on the season.
This game was a make-up of one weathered out in January.
ATTRACTIVE MATCHUPS are coming for the Bravettes, who host a solid Class 2A team in Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont on Friday, and a good 2A team in Grundy Center on Monday. Both should really help Montezuma get ready for post-season play.
POST SEASON PLAY – The Bravettes will look southeast for their opposition when the tournament begins. If they’re to meet either North Mahaska or Lynnville-Sully again, it will have to be in the state tournament.
We’ll have news about pairings, which could include some Montezuma home games, in a separate story.
SCORE BY QUARTERS
Montezuma 13 19 15 6 – 53
Tri-County 4 5 4 1 – 14
MONTEZUMA (53) – Madison Johannes 1-2, 0-0, 2, 3. Shanae Wetering 7-14, 4-4, 2, 21. Mia Boulton 2-6, 1-2, 1, 7. Jadyn Sharer 3-5, 1-2, 2, 9. Korrinn Kehoe 1-1, 2-2, 0, 4. Madison Van Zee 1-1, 0-0, 0, 2. Jordan Ranfeld 0-0, 0-0, 0, 0. Laila Kercheval 0-0, 0-0, 0, 0. Ellen Cook 0-4, 2-3, 1, 2. Alivia Cline 0-0, 0-0, 0, 0. Izzy Roorda 0-0, 0-0, 0, 0. Ashlee Eilander 0-0, 0-0, 0, 0. Kallie Robison 1-2, 1-1, 1, 3. Shiressa Wetering 1-2, 0-0, 1, 2. TOTALS – 17-38, 11-14, 10, 53.
TRI-COUNTY (14) – TOTALS 6-29, 2-5, 7, 14.
Line score legend: Field goals made-attempted, free throws made-attempted, personal fouls, total points.
Turnovers: Montezuma 11, Tri-County 16.
Three-pointers: Montezuma 8-19 (Shan. Wetering 3-6, Boulton 2-6, Sharer 2-3, Johannes 1-2, Cook 0-2); Tri-County 0-9.
Rebounds: Montezuma 21 (Boulton 6, Johannes 3, Shan. Wetering 3, Robison 3, Cook 2, Sharer 1, Kehoe 1, Kercheval 1, Roorda 1); Tri-County 14.
Assists: Montezuma 13 (Boulton 6, Shan. Wetering 3, Johannes 2, Sharer 1, Cook 1); Tri-County 3.
Steals: Montezuma 8 (Shan. Wetering 2, Johannes 1, Boulton 1, Sharer 1, Cook 1, Eilande 1, Robison 1); Tri-County 5.
Blocks: Montezuma 3 (Shir. Wetering 2, Sharer 1); Tri-County 1.