The South Iowa Cedar League made a change in junior basketball this season. Instead of playing a 7th grade game followed by an 8th grade game, we now play an A-game followed by a B-game.
In the very first A-game for the Montezuma Bravettes, we hosted a strong Sigourney team. When the two teams played last year, Sigourney put the only loss on the 7th grade Bravettes.
The Savages jumped to a big lead early using a staunch defense. At the half, the Bravettes trailed 12-6.
Monte needed to play better on defense and find some scoring. The 2nd half was much different. The Bravette defense pressured the Savages into more turnovers and forced them into difficult shots.
Late in the 3rd quarter, Jadyn Sharer drove to the hoop for an and-1 to give the Bravettes their first lead at 14-13. Sigourney tied it with a free throw early in the 4th quarter.
Then, Shiressa Wetering got a steal. She took the ball all the way to give Monte a 16-14 lead. The Bravettes never looked back. The defense continued to stymie the Savages. The Bravettes led 25-15 late. A late 3 ball by Sigourney made the final 25-18.
I was very proud of how the Bravettes maintained poised when we were trailing. We showed toughness and grit to beat a solid Savage team.
The Bravettes made 10-42 shots for 24%. The Savages were 6-34 for 18%. Sigourney won a close rebound battle 36-33. The Bravettes forced 21 turnovers while only committing 13.
Jadyn Sharer led the scoring with 9 points. She also had 6 rebounds and a block. Shiressa Wetering had 8 points and 3 steals. Alivia Cline did a good job running the point and scored 5 points. Jordan Ranfeld had 2 points. Ashlee Eilander hit a free throw. Ellen Cook had 7 rebounds.
The Bravettes lost the B-game 28-11. Elizabeth DeJong led the scoring with 6 points. Taylor Wilcox had 3 points. Harlea Pargeon had 2 points.
UP AND COMING – The Bravettes travel to Mingo to play Colfax-Mingo on December 2. The next home game is December 3 vs North Mahaska in what promises to be an exciting game.