North Mahaska’s juggernaut defense again stepped up to score another win Thursday as the No. 9 in Class 2A Warhawks grounded Sigourney’s offense 41-29. North Mahaska did to Sigourney what they have been able to do to other South Iowa Cedar League teams this season, create havoc in at least one period en route to a victory. For Sigourney it was the third quarter. The Savages were held scoreless for nearly eight minutes.
The first period ended with an 11-11 tie then NM outscored Sigourney 13-9 for a 24-20 halftime lead. The host Savages had trouble with finding shots and turned the ball over as North Mahaska outscored the Savages 14-2 in the third period. Erin Dawson’s basket with 18 seconds left in the quarter ended the drought.
Through the first half Sigourney coach Schay Moore felt good about her team’s performance even though they trailed 24-20 at halftime.
“I felt pretty good about our team at halftime,” said Moore. “We were in it. We got into foul trouble and then we couldn’t get good looks and our shots weren’t falling. We’ve got to find a way to score.”
North Mahaska coach L.E. Moore has seen what his team can do defensively.
“I thought we had a great third quarter,” said Moore. “This is a tough place to play. I thought our girls off the bench did a nice job. I’m proud of them.”
RD Keep/North Mahaska Communications
North Mahaska’s Regan Grewe drives past Sigourney’s Carly Goodwin for two of her 11 points to lead the No. 9 Warhawks past Sigourney 41-29 Thursday. Grewe also grabbed 11 rebounds and four steals.
Each team turned the ball over 20 times in the contest, but it was North Mahaska’s efforts on the boards that proved the difference. The Warhawks came down with 39 to 20 for Sigourney. North Mahaska had eight players score in the contest with the Warhawks making twice as many field goals.
Juniors Regan Grewe and Breckyn Schilling did much of the damage for the Warhawks. Grewe had a game-high 11 points and 11 rebounds along with four steals. Schilling had an impressive line with eight points, nine rebounds, five steals, two assists and blocked two shots. Kayla Readshaw added six points and two steals.
Ava Fisch led Sigourney with 10 points. Erin Dawson added five points with five rebounds. Josephine Moore was credited with seven rebounds.
L.E. Moore said the team has to find more discipline when they have a big lead.
“We have to learn to be more patient,” said Moore. “As you saw late in the game we were pushing. We have to learn to take more time. We have to work on our shooting.”
Neither team shot well from the foul line. Sigourney went 12-for-25 while NM shot 8-of-18.
North Mahaska has been dealing with some injuries and illness and will use the break to help heal.
“The break is coming at a good time for us,” said Moore. “We will have a scrimmage and practice, but it will give the girls time to rest and heal up for the second half of the season.”
North Mahaska improves to 9-1 overall and 7-0 in South Iowa Cedar League play. They return to action Friday, Jan. 5 when they host Iowa Valley.