After a stretch of losses to start the 2021 portion of the season, the Pella Christian basketball teams were in control of a varsity doubleheader over Newton Friday, leading wire-to-wire in a pair of games heard live on 92.1 KRLS. P.C. knocked off the Newton girls 55-39 and the boys won 83-63.

The Eagles never trailed in either contest, and used their size advantage in the paint to gain the early advantage against both Cardinals teams. In the opener, it was Allison Van Gorp scoring 12 first half points in a 22-point, eight rebound performance with four blocked shots that set the tone, which was supplemented by the mid-range jumper game of Emma Witzenberg and her 15 points.

However, Pella Christian was out-rebounded in the effort on a 43-29 margin by Newton, which will need to improve going forward, according to Head Coach Brad Engbers.

The nightcap was a showcase in wire-to-wire dominance for the Eagles’ boys offense, spurred by a balanced attack and deliberate attacking of the post early, as 6-8 Junior Eric Mulder scored 19 first-half points and 10 in the first quarter, with 6-7 teammate Niko Schirz adding eight of his 15 in the first 16 minutes as well.

From there, the Eagles spread the scoring around, with Bennett Spronk and Jadeon Huisman scoring 13 each and Lucas Hol adding eight in the 3rd quarter.

The Pella Christian girls are back to .500 at 5-5 overall and found their first Little Hawkeye Conference win of the season, while the Eagles boys are up to 3-6 and 2-4 in league play.