Two local schools squared off in Monroe Monday evening as PCM hosted Pella in a non-conference basketball doubleheader. It was the Dutch getting the sweep, in games originally scheduled for Saturday afternoon, but moved to Monday due to winter weather.
The Lady Dutch overcame a cold first quarter to pull away for a 69-33 victory. Pella was able to hold the Mustangs to just four points in the first, but PCM remained within striking distance, holding Pella to nine in the period. The Lady Dutch had an offensive explosion in the second, taking a 28-16 lead into halftime. Pella left no doubt the rest of the way, pouring it on in the second half to secure the win. Lady Dutch head coach Jerod Garland was proud of how his team responded after the slow start.
“We weren’t hitting [shots] at the beginning of the game. We came along, thankfully, in that respect too. But after the slow start, the girls did a really nice job at halftime of coming out, trying to run a little bit. We wanted to see if we could get up and down a little bit better. Our posts set around the floor well and guards were looking up the floor well, we got some runouts, and sometimes that can jumpstart some other things. And then you saw some three-pointers fall, I think we finished with seven, which is kind of what we’ve been waiting for. We’re a better shooting team than our percentages have shown, and hopefully this will get some confidence in the girls.”
Faith Diers led the Lady Dutch with 18 points while Madison Naig added 14. Regan Freland was held below her season average, leading the Mustangs with 15 points. Pella improves to 7-5 on the season while PCM drops to 4-8.
Two win streaks were on the line in the boys game as Pella entered on a six-game streak while PCM had won three in a row. The Little Dutch quickly took control, and cruised to a 78-58 win. A nine point lead after one swelled to 15 at half. PCM was able to keep things in check during the second half, but Pella was able to put the game away down the stretch.
Treyton Sturgeon led the way with 21 points for Pella. John Oltman scored 13 while Logan Shetterly added 12. Pella improves to 9-2 on the season while PCM is now 7-5. Both teams are back in action Tuesday evening. Pella is home to Knoxville in the Red Rock Rivalry, while PCM returns to conference play, hosting Saydel. The PCM games will be broadcast on KRLS3.
Tonight is veterans night at Pella vs. Knoxville — all who served in the U.S. military get in free, courtesy of Raceway Tire and Exhaust, and special events will be held with veterans, including a tire roll to benefit both the Pella and Knoxville Athletic Booster Clubs. Hear the Pella vs. Knoxville games live on 92.1 KRLS or 95.3 KNIA.