By Coach Doug Helm
The Montezuma junior high girls basketball teams traveled to Marengo for their final games on Monday, January 27.
The A-team faced the Tigers four days ago with the Bravettes winning 42-32. Montezuma was very focused at the start of the game as they jumped to a 19-3 lead.
Midway through the 2nd quarter the Bravettes pushed the lead to 25-3.
Late in the first half, Iowa Valley rallied to cut the lead to 26-12 at halftime.
The 3rd quarter resembled a wrestling match at times as both teams were familiar with each other and did not allow many easy baskets. With only seconds remaining, Alivia Cline found Jadyn Sharer for a 3-point buzzer beater. Monte led 33-19 at the end of the 3rd.
The Bravettes wanted to finish their season on a strong note. They did as they pushed the lead back to 20 points when Jadyn hit another triple off of a nice look ahead by Ellen Cook.
Ashlee Eilander got the last hoop of the season on a left-handed power point. Iowa Valley scored a few late hoops to make the final 47-30.
The Bravettes shot 17-60 for 28% from the field. They were 4-8 from long distance and 9-14 for 64% from the line. The Tigers were 13-42 for 31%, 1-2 from distance and 3-7 from the line.
The Bravettes edged the rebound battle 39-38. The Bravettes had only 7 turnovers. The Tigers had 19 turnovers.
Jadyn Sharer filled out the stat sheet. She had 22 points. She was 4-8 from 3-point range and 4-5 from the line. She had 11 rebounds, 4 steals and a block.
Ellen Cook came off the bench to get 8 points and a block. Ashlee Eilander had a strong inside game with 6 points, 8 rebounds and 6 blocks. Shiressa Wetering had 5 points and 7 rebounds. Jordan Ranfeld had 4 points. Alivia Cline had 2 points & 3 assists.
The B-team/7th grade team also played the Tigers. Iowa Valley won last week 28-20.
The Bravettes jumped out to a 13-7 lead and held on to win 19-18.
Harlea Pargeon led the scoring with 8 points. Taylor Wilcox had 5 points including a 3-pointer. Addy Probasco, Ava Pargeon and Kylee Larmore each had 2 points. The B-team/7th grade finish a nice season 8-4.
The A-team/8th grade team has a combined 9-1 record. They finish their two year junior high career at 20-2. They played the most competitive junior high schedule in many years and did an excellent job. I wish them good luck as they move to the next level!