DES MOINES – Lynx are said to lurk in crevices, then all of a sudden they spring out at you.
Montezuma ran into swarming, tenacious pressure from the top-seeded North Linn Lynx in the first half, and by halftime, the Bravettes’ dreams of a long stay in the Class 1A state tournament were behind a 35-6 deficit.
The Bravettes on offense had to feel like they were surrounded. And they were.
But in the second half, Montezuma’s side-to-side passing on offense opened some room for the team’s three-point shooters and the inside game.
The Bravettes, the number 8 seed, were outscored just 33-32 in the second half. So while the final tally was 68-38 against them, on Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 28 in Wells Fargo Arena, this very young Montezuma team can look forward to getting home and the promise of preparing for the next couple of years.
“We definitely didn’t play a great first half, but we were fearless in the second half,” Montezuma Coach Janel Burgess said. “We are so proud of this group of young ladies.”
Montezuma was guilty of 15 first half turnovers, leading to 22 North Linn points. The Lynx outscored the Bravettes 28-0 from in the paint.
Montezuma in the first shot just 2-for-17 from the field (11.8 percent), including one-for-10 from three-point range.
The Bravettes didn’t pack it in, though.
North Lynn is not a tall team, with none of the rostered players listed at or over 6 feet in height. But, they’re at least eight deep, with three-player “line changes” featured as the Lynx’ substitution pattern.
Better side-to-side full-court movement against the press led to some open looks from three-point range, and inside for the Bravettes in the second half.
Junior guard Ellen Cook finished with 12 points, on 4-for-10 shooting from three-point range.
Sophomore guard Claire Erselius went 2-for-3 on treys, scored 10 points, and pulled down 7 rebounds.
Macy Boge (#24) led the Lynx with 20 points and Kamryn Kurt (#34) scored 18.
North Linn advances with a 24-1 record.
Montezuma goes to the sidelines – but not until after playing at state – with a 20-5 mark.
“We will enjoy celebrating our season on Sunday, (Mar. 3) at our banquet,” Burgess said. “We know we have four great seniors who are graduating, but we have young kids who will be ready to get after it again in November.”
“But first, let’s enjoy watching them all compete in their other sports.”
TOURNEY TIDBITS – This was Montezuma’s 16th appearance in the girls’ state finals . . .Montezuma’s “best band in the land” performed and drew applause from North Linn fans as well as Montezuma’s. The band also got some air time on state network TV, as well as positive comments. . . Montezuma fan Aaron McCaslen was honored for his longstanding support and the school received $250 for scholarship funding. . .Coach Janel Burgess has brought five of her seven Montezuma teams to state . . .
SCORE BY QUARTERS
Montezuma 2 4 20 12 – 38
North Linn 11 24 20 13 – 68
MONTEZUMA (38) – Ellen Cook 4-10, 0-0, 1, 12. Claire Erselius 4-6, 0-0, 2, 10. Izzy Roorda 0-0, 0-0, 1, 0. Jadyn Sharer 1-2, 2-2, 0, 5. Shiressa Wetering 1-7, 3-7, 4, 5. Rylie Wolford 0-0, 0-0, 0, 0. Vivian Cook 0-3, 2-2, 1, 2. Sydnee Burgess 0-1, 2-2, 1, 2. Jordan Ranfeld 0-0, 2-2, 1, 2. Laila Kercheval 0-0, 0-0, 0, 0. Letisia Wilson 0-0, 0-0, 0, 0. Lindsey Henry 0-0, 0-0, 0, 0. Mya Smothers 0-0, 0-0, 0, 0. Annaleece Kercheval 0-0, 0-0, 0, 0. TOTALS – 10-29, 11-15, 11, 38.
NORTH LINN (68) – TOTALS – 27-49, 8-12, 13, 68.
Line score legend: field goals made-attempted, free throws made-attempted, personal fouls, total points.
Turnovers: Montezuma 22, North Linn 8.
Three-pointers: Montezuma 7-18 (E. Cook 4-10, Erselius 2-3, Sharer 1-2, V. Cook 0-3); North Linn 6-15.
Rebounds: Montezuma 22 (Erselius 7, Wetering 3, Burgess 3, E. Cook 4, Roorda 2, Sharer 2, team 1); North Linn 21.
Assists: Montezuma 7 (E. Cook 3, Erselius 2, V. Cook 1, Burgess 1); North Linn 16 (Kamryn Kurt 6).
Steals: Montezuma 1 (V. Cook); North Linn 14.
Blocks: Montezuma 1 (Burgess 1); North Linn 0.
Points distribution:
In the paint – Montezuma 4, North Linn 40
Off turnovers – Montezuma 5, North Linn 37
Second chance – Montezuma 2, North Linn 5
Fast break – Montezuma 0, North Linn 12
From bench players – Montezuma 6, North Linn 5.