NEW SHARON – North Mahaska knew playing their first Class 2A regional game would not be easy. Facing a talented Pella Christian team that plays a lot of 3A and 4A teams was not going to be a rollover. The Warhawks saw a lead disappear then rallied to post a 66-54 victory and advance to the regional semifinal.
No. 13 North Mahaska (18-4) will host Columbus Community (15-6) on Thursday at 7 p.m.
The teams traded 3-pointers to open the game and PC jumped out to an 8-5 lead. North Mahaska then took advantage of PC turnovers to roll out to a 19-10 advantage after one period. NM’s full-court defense held the Eagles scoreless for nearly 4 and a half minutes before Rachel Kacmarynski hit a pair of free throws to close the game to 26-12.
North Mahaska continued to answer Pella Christian runs and held a 12-point lead at halftime. The Warhawks’ defense forced 17 first half turnovers, but saw Pella Christian dominated the boards with 18.
With 6 minutes 36 seconds to play in the third period NM led 42-29. Then it was PC who took advantage of turnovers. By the end of the quarter PC had taken its second lead of the game 47-45. PC led 50-49 at the 7:15 mark in the final period. Kayla Readshaw put the Warhawks back in front and a team effort put the ball into the net while holding the Eagles scoreless for nearly five minutes in the final period.
Pella Christian was forced to foul and North Mahaska went 7-of-8 in the final minute to secure the win.
“These girls didn’t fold and were resilient,” said an elated NM coach L.E. Moore. “We did some good things out there. We knew they were going to make run and they did. We went back to our half-court man and we were able to take advantage.”
North Mahaska recorded 15 steals and doled out 19 assists. Aly Steil drew praise from Moore for her defensive effort and ball handling.
“It doesn’t show in the stat sheet but she worked hard,” said Moore. “They all worked together for this win.”
Breckyn Schilling led team in scoring with 21 points. Regan Grewe hit for 19 and Sydney Andersen chipped in 13. Kayla Readshaw scored seven. Andersen led the rebounding with seven and Grewe grabbed five. Schilling, Grewe, Readshaw and Steil each doled out five assists.
Pella Christian had four players in double figures with Maggie Heinen leading with 13. Rachel Kacmarynski scored 12 with seven rebounds, Faith Kacmarynski added 11 points with seven rebounds and Chloe Snyder scored 10 with five rebounds.
