By Doug Helm
JH girls basketball coach
The Montezuma Bravettes junior high A-team faced their toughest opponent of the season when the Pella Christian Eagles traveled to Montezuma on Thursday, December 5.
The Bravettes took an early 8-6 lead at the end of the first quarter.
The Eagles dominated the second quarter with 12-0 shutout to take an 18-8 lead at the half.
But, Monte battled in the third quarter to cut the deficit to 20-14.
With 3 minutes left in the game, Brielle Haughey scored to tie the game at 22. Pella Christian would take the lead back 24-22. Brylee Latcham would find Brielle for another hoop to tie it at 24-24. Pella Christian would make 5 free throws in the last minute to seal the win, 29-24.
Monte shot 12-37 (32%) from the field, 0-6 from 3-point range and 0-2 from the free throw line. Pella Christian shot 8-43 (19%) from the field, 2-8 from the 3-point line and 11-16 from the free throw line. The Bravettes outrebounded the taller Eagles 32-28. Monte had 25 turnovers to 16 for Pella Christian.
Brielle Haughey had a big double-double. She had 16 points, 16 rebounds and 2 blocks. Lilly Bushong gave the team a second half boost with 6 points and 3 blocks. Brylee Latcham had 2 points and 4 assists. Kady Schmidt had 5 rebounds and 2 blocks. Gertie Lally had a block.
The Montezuma Bravettes A-team moves to 3-1 on the season. They have a big week coming up. They travel to BGM on Monday, Belle Plaine on Tuesday and host Iowa Valley on Thursday.