BROOKLYN – There was no doubt the South Iowa Cedar League West Division was the toughest. The top three schools split with each other and dominated the East Division. North Mahaska clinched a tie for the crown with Montezuma and Lynnville-Sully with a 68-30 victory over BGM.

North Mahaska, ranked 13th in Class 2A, took advantage of more than two dozen BGM turnovers, most off 21 steals and limited BGM to just one quarter in double figures. NM led 23-10 after one quarter and built a commanding 40-15 advantage by halftime. 

North Mahaska (16-13, 13-2) saw freshman Natalya Linder and junior Sydney Andersen score in double figures from the post position. Andersen led with 14 points while Linder finished with 13. Junior Samantha Van Weelden scored nine as did fellow junior Kayla Readshaw. Breckyn Schilling scored eight, Libby Hargis seven and Regan Grewe six.

NM also dominated the boards with 14 of their 27 rebounds came on the offensive end. Linder led with eight and Schilling grabbed five. Aly Steil recorded seven steals and Andersen grabbed five. Schilling blocked two shots and Linder blocked one.

North Mahaska will go on the road for a pair of nonconference games this week. They will head to Eddyville Monday to take on Class 2A No. 5 Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont then take on Class 4A Oskaloosa on Tuesday. The Warhawks will open Class 2A tournament play when the host either Pella Christian or Cardinal at 7 p.m.