After a snowstorm postponed the Tuesday Montezuma-HLV basketball games, local fans are now looking forward to three basketball dates in three successive nights this week – Thursday through Saturday.
From a competition standpoint, the most intriguing match takes place Thursday evening, Jan. 28, when the 13-2 Braves, ranked seventh in this week’s Class 1A poll, visit 11-1 Albia, which was pegged 11th in Class 2A this week.
That one will be a JV/varsity doubleheader.
In terms of conference play, both Montezuma varsity teams will be shooting to hold on to first place in the SICL when they travel to BGM on Friday and host HLV on Saturday.
At Albia (boys)
This could be an up-tempo game. The Blue Demons have outscored their opponents by an average of 69-50. For the Braves, the numbers are 78 and 51. So, tempo control will be critical.
Drew Chance, a 6-2 sophomore, scores 16.9 points per game for Albia and is .630 field goal shooter.
Blake Chance, a 6-4 senior, scores 15.8 per game and averages 6.1 assists.
And Brayden Messamaker, a 6-1 sophomore, scores 12.8 points per ballgame.
At BGM (girls/boys)
Girls – The Bears are 1-16, the direct opposite of Montezuma’s 16-1. Belle Austin, a 5-7 senior, scores 12.4 per game for BGM. Montezuma won 91-8 when they played in Montezuma on Dec. 11.
Boys – The Bears are 2-13, but have played some people pretty tough. Montezuma is 13-2.
Jacob Moel, 6-0, scores 13.5 points per game. Trase Kriegel, 6-3, averages 10.9 points and 8.9 rebounds.
Montezuma won 56-35 when they played in Montezuma on Dec. 11.
HLV at Montezuma (girls)
HLV brings in a 6-8 record, compared to Montezuma’s 16-1. The Bravettes won 60-24 in December. Karlee Timm, a 5-10 senior, averages 11.8 points, 11.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists.
HLV at Montezuma (boys)
The Warriors are 3-11 starting the week. Grant Hall, a 6-2 senior, scores 15.6 points and averages 5.9 rebounds. Beau York, a 6-1 junior, averages 10.3 points and also grabs 5.9 rebounds.
Montezuma won 89-52 in Victor on Dec. 8.
This doubleheader will have a 5 p.m. starting time.
Montezuma’s girls had a Monday morning practice to start their week. Coach Janel Burgess was aware of the inclement weather heading in. “We wanted to be proactive with the weather,” she told KGRN’s Chris Varney. “The kids deserve to be active.”
Burgess said the focus was strictly on shooting and ballhandling at that practice.
Regarding her team’s win over North Mahaska last week, Burgess said, “North Mahaska is very tall and long. Madison McKay has changed their dynamics. But, our defense made it difficult to get good looks.”
Regarding the Colfax-Mingo game, Burgess said, “our defense and communication are getting better and better.”
Burgess noted that senior guard Elise Boulton “is such a different player from four years ago, when she was just a shooter. Now, she has an all-around game.”
“We had 23 assists on 30 baskets, which tells you our kids know where they should be.”
Burgess also gave a shout-out to senior starter Kierstyn Price. “There has been so much growth in her playing abilities,” Burgess said. “She is so selfless. We’re where we’re at because of our senior leadership,” said the coach.
“We’re lucky, and thankful.”