By Coach Doug Helm
The Montezuma Bravettes junior high girls A-team hosted North Mahaska on January 9 in what was an intensely-played but ragged game.
The contest was dominated by defense as Monte had a 4-2 lead at the end of the first quarter. North Mahaska had their best quarter in the 2nd as it was tied 8-8 at halftime.
Both teams continued to struggle to score in the 3rd as Monte had an 11-10 lead going to the 4th quarter.
The Bravettes finally starting making some free throws and made their only 3-pointer of the game in the 4th. This allowed Monte to pull away and win 21-14.
Monte shot 7-42 (17%) from the field, 1-17 (6%) from the 3-point line and 6-13 (46%) from the free throw line. North Mahaska shot 7-40 (18%) from the field and 0-4 from the 3-point line.
North Mahaska won the battle of the boards 40-32. Monte had 13 turnovers while forcing North Mahaska into 23 turnovers.
Leah Urfer led the way for the Bravettes. She had 10 points, 7 rebounds and a block.
Sydnee Burgess was a key player with 6 points, 8 rebounds, 7 steals and 4 blocks.
Lauryn Larmore played the 2nd half and hit a 3-pointer. Vivian Cook fought through illness in the game. She contributed 2 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals and a block.
The Montezuma Bravettes JH A-team moves to 6-1 on the season. They travel to Baxter on Thursday, January 12.