The Pella basketball teams played their second Little Hawkeye Conference doubleheader in as many nights, earning a split on the road against Dallas Center-Grimes. The Lady Dutch fell behind early, and were unable to build the momentum needed to mount a comeback, falling 56-39. A 17-15 advantage in the fourth was not nearly enough to pull off the comeback, as the Fillies had built a sizeable advantage over the first three quarters.
Madison Naig and Reagan Van Wyk each scored eight points to pace the Lady Dutch. Pella falls to 6-5 overall and 4-2 in the Little Hawkeye Conference.
The Pella boys would not be denied their sixth consecutive win, but it was a tale of two halves. The Little Dutch and Mustangs went back and forth throughout the first half before Pella would gain a slight advantage in the last few minutes before halftime, taking a 31-27 lead into the locker room. The Dutch held DC-G scoreless for the first four minutes of the third quarter, gaining a 24-11 advantage in the period to take a commanding lead. Pella finished the job and coasted to the 20-point victory. Head Coach Derek Schulte says that his team’s defense, especially in the third quarter, is what really set his team apart tonight.
“Proud of our effort, proud of our response in the second half. Not doing a ton different, just a couple small adjustments just on individual personnel, and just trying to do a better job of containing penetration we were allowing. I thought our defense was outstanding in the third quarter, which led to opportunities offensively. Our defense, and controlling the glass, got us out in transition. We shot the ball well from three tonight, and that definitely showed out well for us in the second half.”
Logan Shetterly led the way offensively with 20 points. Treyton Sturgeon scored 18 points and collected 10 rebounds for a double-double. Grant Nelson rounded out those in double figures with 13 points. Pella improves to 8-2 overall and 4-2 in the Little Hawkeye Conference. The Little and Lady Dutch will be back in action Friday night, hosting Grinnell, a doubleheader that will air on KRLS2.