By Coach Doug Helm
The Montezuma Junior High Bravettes traveled to New Sharon on Monday, January 13 to face North Mahaska, one of the top JH teams in the South Iowa Cedar League.
This time, the Bravettes came away with a one-point win.
On December 3, North Mahaska defeated the Bravettes 39-38 in a thrilling game. This was the Bravettes only loss of the season and they relished the opportunity to even the score.
Ashlee Eilander got Montezuma off to a quick start with two free throws and a basket with both coming from offensive rebounds.
The Bravettes quickly led 4-0. But, the Bravettes did not score again until a buzzer-beater by Alivia Cline at the end of the first quarter, which made it 7-6, Warhawks leading.
The second quarter was not good for the visiting team. Monte did not score and its leading scorer, Jadyn Sharer, picked up her 3rd foul with four minutes to go in the period.
North Mahaska led 11-6 at halftime. The Bravettes refocused at the break and came out ready to play. Alivia Cline found Isabella Roorda flashing the lane for 2 quick points to start the 3rd quarter.
A minute later, Jadyn Sharer got a steal and turned it into a layup. After two free throw by NM, Cline found Eilander under the hoop on an inbounds play as the Bravettes closed the lead to 13-12.
After a NM miss, Cline found Sharer for a quick 3 and the Bravettes had the lead 15-13 with 4 minutes left in the 3rd. Only seconds later, Cline has a layup blocked from behind. But, Sharer hustled down the floor to get the power point.
The Bravettes continued to make baskets and led 22-16 going the final quarter. North Mahaska made a free throw to start the quarter. Then Izzy Roorda found Jordan Ranfeld for a layup and the Bravettes led 24-17.
But North Mahaska went on a big run and took the lead on 3-pointer, 25-24, with 3:30 remaining.
Eilander stopped the run with another power point with 3 minutes to go. The score is Bravettes 26, Warhawks 25. The teams exchanged empty possessions until North Mahaska got a steal and a layup to take the lead 27-26 with 1 minute to go.
The Warhawks had the ball and the lead with 48 seconds remaining. As they held the ball, the Bravettes desperately looked for a steal.
With 8 seconds remaining Ellen Cook stole a pass and raced to the other end for a layup. She was fouled on the shot. She went to the line with 1.7 seconds remaining and calmly sank both free throws to give Monte a 28-27 lead.
North Mahaska inbounded the ball as time ran out. But just like the 1972 Olympics, time was put back on the clock and the Warhawks were given another chance to score. But unlike the Russians, the Warhawks were not able to score on their 2nd opportunity. Bravettes win another instant classic 28-27.
Montezuma shot 11-56 from the field for 20%. North Mahaska shot 9-36 from the field for 25%. The Bravettes were 5-9 from the free throw line. The Warhawks were 7-21 from the line. Monte outrebounded them 47-35. Monte had 16 turnovers. NM had 18 turnovers.
Jadyn Sharer led the scoring with 11 points including a 3-pointer. She also had 8 rebounds. Ashlee Eilander was big inside with 9 points, 8 rebounds and 4 blocks. Izzy Roorda had 2 points, 5 rebounds and 4 steals. Ellen Cook had 2 points, 5 rebounds, 5 steals and a block. Alivia Cline had 2 points and 4 assists. Jordan Ranfeld had 2 points.
The B-team played 2 quarters and lost 15-7. Laila Kercheval had 5 points including a 3-pointer. Harlea Pargeon had 2 points.
UP NEXT – The A-team/8th grade team has a combined 6-1 record. Their next game is Monday, January 20 at home against L-Sully at 4:15.
The B-team/7th grade team has a combined 3-3 record.