North Mahaska knew they would be tested by long-time rival Montezuma when the two basketball teams took the court in New Sharon Friday. The contest did not disappoint. North Mahaska held off a rally by the Bravettes to secure a 48-42 win to improve to 2-0 on the season and in the South Iowa Cedar League.
Vivian Cook gave Montezuma its only lead of the game when she hit a 3-pointer for a 5-3 lead. By the first quarter break NM led 8-7. There was a cover on the basket for the host Warhawks and they shot just 23 percent from the field and 35 percent from the free throw line. Their defense stifled Montezuma holding them to a free throw and field goal in the second period to take a 21-10 lead at intermission.
NM seemingly had the game in hand in the third quarter leading 38-19 entering the final period. Montezuma slowing closed the gap as NM could not get a ball to trickle the nylon as the Bravettes closed to 44-42 with 41 seconds to play in the game. North Mahaska, who struggles at the free throw line, hit just enough to win while the defense kept Monte from scoring. Breckyn Schilling went 2-for-4 at the line in the final seconds but it was Kayla Readshaw who stepped to the line with 14 seconds left and dropped in a pair to secure the victory.
RD Keep/NM Communications Photo
Regan Grewe (34) of North Mahaska slows Montezuma’s Ellen cook on a drive. Grewe collected six steals and scored 12 points to help No. 7 NM defeat the Bravettes 48-42 Friday.
North Mahaska’s tenacious defense was the difference as they forced 25 Montezuma turnovers including 14 in the first half.
NM coach L.E. Moore was pleased with the effort despite the poor shooting.
“I am proud of heck of them,” said Moore. “We had to find another way to win tonight. Our composure will get better.
Moore was prepared for the run Montezuma made.
“We knew they would make a run and they did,” said Moore. “We just had to withstand it and we did. Kayla played tough tonight. She has sauce in her name and really hit those shots free throws when we needed them.”
Schilling and Regan Grewe each scored in double figures for the Warhawks. Schilling scored 19 points with seven rebounds, five assists, two steals and a blocked shot. Grewe finished with 12 points and six steals. Readshaw had seven points, two steals and two assists. Ally Steil finished with six points, five steals, five assists and four rebounds. Sydney Andersen pulled down seven rebounds.