NEW SHARON – When does a girls basketball team overcome a nine-point halftime deficit on a rival school’s home court, to win?
Not often, probably, but it happens.
When does that team shoot 18 percent from the field – and still win?
Rarely, most likely.
But the Montezuma Bravettes did both in their 32-31 win at North Mahaska in their conference opener on Tuesday evening, Dec. 2.
“I am extremely proud of our team that is learning its identity to pull out a tremendous win at North Mahaska!” said Bravettes Coach Janel Burgess.
“We had to be gritty beyond understanding and stick true to each other,” she said.
Adversity for the Bravettes started when 6-foot center Sydnee Burgess picked up her second foul just 2:20 into the game and had to come out.
“Her not playing definitely did hurt us,” Burgess confirmed.
The Warhawks, always a good defensive team, led 8-2 after one quarter, and 22-13 at the half.
Sophia Semprini entered and made her presence felt. “She was a HUGE bright spot for us, to say the least,” said Montezuma’s coach.
Semprini led the Bravettes with 12 rebounds and made the game-saving play at the end.
The Bravettes had just scored to take a one-point lead. Semprini “had the final deflection and steal to seal the victory for us with 1.8 seconds to go in the game,” Burgess said. “Sophia is constantly learning and growing,” said her coach.
The Bravettes outscored the Warhawks 19-9 after intermission, including 5-0 in the third quarter, as they came on to win.
Another factor was turnovers: 14 by Montezuma to 19 by North Mahaska. Also, free throws: The Bravettes were 10-for-20, to five-for-eight by the Warhawks.
Burgess came back to score 9 points to lead Montezuma scorers. Vivian Cook had 8, and Semprini scored five.
But another highlight was two three-balls in four attempts by Molly Jones. Meanwhile, North Mahaska went 0-for-12 from behind the arc.
Nataliya Linder scored 12 points to lead the Warhawks and Addison Falb had six.
“We have gotten to the free throw line 45 times in two games and that is a huge point of emphasis, and a huge positive,” Burgess said.
“We had zero film of our opponent but we learned on the fly,” said Montezuma’s coach. “We made in-game adjustments and our players sacrificed for each other. We are very proud of our team!” Burgess said.
The Bravettes went to 1-1 on the season and 1-0 in the SICL. The game was North Mahaska’s season opener.
The Bravettes were headed to Baxter on Saturday, Dec. 6.
Bravettes 32, North Mahaska 31
Score By Quarters
Montezuma 2 11 5 14 – 32
North Mahaska 8 14 0 9 – 31
Montezuma (32) Vivian Cook 2-14, 2-2, 1, 8; Syd Burgess 2-9, 5-9, 4, 9; Claire Erselius 0-10, 2-4, 1, 2; Lauryn Larmore 1-8, 0-1, 1, 2; Sophia Semprini 2-3, 1-4, 3, 5; Alexa Rose 0-1, 0-0, 0, 0; Molly Jonefs 2-4, 0-0, 0, 6; Letisia Wilson 0-0, 0-0, 0, 0. TOTALS – 9-49, 10-20, 10, 32.
North Mahaska 31 TOTALS – 13-48, 5-8, 18, 31.
Turnovers: Montezuma 14, North Mahaska 19.
Three-pointers: Montezuma 4-22 (Jones 2-4, Cook 2-10, Erselius 0-6, Larmore 0-2. NM – 0-12.
Rebounds: Montezuma 26 (Semprini 12, Cook 4, Erselius 4, Burgess 3, Jones 2, Larmore 1. NM – 30.
Assists: Montezuma 6 (Larmore 4, Burgess 2). NM – 6.
Steals: Montezuma 9 (Cook 2, Semprini 2, Burgess 1, Erselius 1, Larmore 1, Rose 1, Wilson 1); NM 8.
Blocks: Montezuma 1 (Burgess); NM – 2.
North Mahaska scoring – Nataliya Linder 12, Addison Falb 6.