The Pella Christian basketball teams closed out 2018 on the road at Dallas-Center Grimes last night and were defeated in a pair of matchups.

The Eagle girls could never find their footing and generate any offense losing 53-29. The Fillies (7-3) built a 34-17 halftime lead and never looked back in the second half turning the Eagles over 20 times in the contest and many of those resulting in points. Jordan Cunningham was an Eagle killer with a game-high 22 points for DCG. Allison Van Gorp and Avery Baugh led Pella Christian with eight points apiece. The Eagles drop to 4-6 on the season.

The boys’ game was tight throughout with four lead changes in the first half and the Mustangs holding a slight 28-25 lead at the break. That lead grew to double digits in the second half but the Eagles would not go away and eventually led briefly with a couple minutes remaining. With the game tied at 45-45 the Mustangs set up one final play at the rim when Josh Van Gorp blocked the initial shot but the put back landed right in the hands of Tyler Borneman for the layup at the buzzer and Dallas Center-Grimes coming out on top 47-45. Head Coach Larry Hessing tells KRLS Sports the Mustangs dictated the pace by slowing the game down.

“DCG was trying to shorten the game with long possessions and willing to pass it numerous times waiting for something to open up. I thought we played pretty well defensively outside of a few drives. I thought more of our issues were on the offensive end.”

Jack Vermeer had a productive night with 14 points and Van Gorp chipped in with 10. Pella Christian drops to 4-4 on the year.

Both teams enjoy the holiday break and get back on the hardwood January 4th against Newton.