By Coach Doug Helm
The Montezuma Bravettes 7th grade girls basketball team traveled to Belle Plaine on Tuesday, January 17.
The game started slowly as Montezuma did not use its tenacious pressing defense and Belle Plaine played a 2-3 zone which the Bravettes had not often seen.
Lauryn Larmore completed a traditional 3-point play late in the first quarter to give the visitors a 5-2 lead.
The Bravettes started to settle in the second quarter. When Marley Stowell hit a buzzer-beater, Monte had a 23-8 lead at the half.
The second half had some entertaining moments as the Bravettes won 36-10.
Monte shot 16-66 (24%) from the field, 3-17 (18%) from 3-point range and 1-1 from the line. Belle Plaine shot 5-28 (18%) from the field, 0-3 from 3-point range and 0-2 from the line.
Montezuma dominated the boards 66 to 28. The Bravettes had 9 turnovers while forcing 24.
Lauryn Larmore had another huge game. She had 19 points including two 3-pointers and 4 steals.
Ryanne Williams was a stat stuffer. She had 5 points including a trey. Ryanne also had 9 rebounds and 7 steals. Sophia Semprini had her best game with 4 points and 10 rebounds. Marley Stowell had 4 points.
Olivia Latcham had 2 points, 6 rebounds and a block. Emma Snook had 2 points. Alexa Rose had 4 steals. Kelsie Mostek had 3 steals.
The 7th graders moved to 6-2 on the season. They travel to Iowa Valley on Thursday. They finish their season at North Mahaska on Tuesday.