Girls Game
Okoboji pulled out a hard-fought 49-46 win over Boyden-Hull on Tuesday night in Milford in a defensive battle. Both teams started slow with Okoboji taking a 4-0 lead in the first three minutes before the teams got their offense going, as the Comets pulled even at 12 to end the first quarter. The second quarter was back and forth but Okoboji would pull ahead 24-19 before Boyden-Hull scored the last three points to trim the lead to 24-22 at the half. Boyden Hull ended the third quarter on a 10-4 run to take a 38-35 lead into the final quarter. The final frame was back and forth with neither team able to take more then a three point lead. The Comets led 43-40 before Ella Stoll made a big bucket to trim the lead to one and Makenna Helmers tied it with a steal and free throw. The teams would exchange several points at the free throw line and then with the score tied at 46 Montana Wilson scored in the paint to give the Pioneers the 48-46 lead. Ava Packebush would add a free throw, and Okoboji got a big stop to seal the win. Okoboji improves to 5-4 on the season while Boyden-Hall falls to 3-5. Montana Wilson led Okoboji with 13 points and 8 rebounds; Makenna Helmers added 9 points while Ava Packebush and Lynnae Abrahamson chipped in with 6 points each. Ashtyn Kelderman led the Comets with 16 points.
Comments From Okoboji Coach John Adams:
That was a battle for 32 minutes and we knew it would be with how well-coached Boyden-Hull is and how hard they play. Makenna and Lynnae hit some big shots in the first half and Megan Titterington gave us some great minutes when Montana got in foul trouble, scoring five points in the second quarter. Our guards continue to get after it on the defensive end of the court with their ball pressure and anticipation. We struggled with turnovers tonight against their press, especially in the first half, but did a much better job in the second half. Tara Pas did a great job with her energy and aggressiveness off the bench and continues to provide a spark for us when she’s in the game. We’re really proud of the mental toughness we showed tonight as the game was a definite grind with neither team finding much of an offensive rhythm. It’s great to get to the break with two straight wins and we’ll definitely enjoy some time off to rest and get healthy before coming back together next week.
Boys Game
The Pioneers hosted the Boyden-Hull Comets Tuesday in their final game before the break. The Comets took an 18-14 first quarter lead. The Pioneers fought back to take a 30-29 lead going into the half. The Comets battled back to take a 51-41 lead going into the fourth. Boyden-Hull won the game 76-61.
Lucas Lorenzen led the Pioneers with 36 points. Kaleb Peschong added another 14. Tanner Te Slaa led the Comets with 28 points. Zylstra had 24 and Katzfey 21. Okoboji is now 3 – 4.
Comments From Okoboji Coach Ryan Stumbo:
We did a nice job in the first half working hard to guard, but we gave up too many rebounds and had too many unforced turnovers against a really good team that capitalizes on mistakes. Give Boyden-Hull a lot of credit. They were able to get good inside looks and to the free throw line in the second half. We fought hard and were proud of the togetherness we showed throughout the game. Lucas had another incredible night and was really good for us on both sides of the ball. It was a six point game with two minutes to go before we started fouling for free throws. There are a lot of positives for us to build on coming back from break.
