March 29, 2024

Cardinal girls overwhelm Wolverines

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GREENFIELD — Nodaway Valley's spirited effort in the second quarter wasn't enough to keep the Wolverines in the game as Class 2A third-ranked Central Decatur quickened the pace to its likening in its 62-42 win.

It was the closest game of the year for the Cardinals, who now stand 14-0 and 10-0 in the Pride of Iowa.

Central Decatur employed its press to devastating results multiple times during the game. The first quarter went strongly in the Cardinals' favor 23-9.

Nodaway Valley battled back to trail by just five at the half, 29-24.

“They definitely took it to us in the second quarter," Central Decatur coach Curtis Boothe said. "I think we got things headed our way in the second half and that’s why we were able to win.”

It was in the third quarter that the undefeated Cardinals really pushed the pedal down.

“We changed our press at halftime, tried to work through some foul trouble and then were able to hit some shots which got us into our press and I think it sped it up in the third quarter," Boothe said.

It was exactly what Nodaway Valley coach Tom Thompson wanted to stay away from.

“We didn’t want to get in a high possession game with them," Thompson said.

“The third quarter kind of got away from us.”

Josie Clarke scored 10 points and Paige McElfish, coming into the game averaging 16.5 points per game, did not score until the fourth quarter.

“Definitely trying to limit Paige and Josie’s touches. I think we did a pretty good job on Paige," Boothe said.

Addie Lamb tossed in 10 points.

Thompson noted that his team has to have a better diversity of options scoring-wise.

“We need to find some other options to take some pressure off Paige and Josie because obviously other teams are going to key on them every night. Somebody’s gotta step up," Thompson said. "Addie’s actually been in double figures a couple times in the last few games. She’s starting to be a little more comfortable, a little more confident.”

UP NEXT — Nodaway Valley (9-4, 6-3) travels to Southwest Valley (8-7, 8-3) for a 6:15 p.m. game Tuesday.

CD: Scoring — Emma Atwood 7 4-6 18, Lily Simon 7 0-2 17, Alli Masters 5 0-0 11, Jentri Hullinger 4 0-0 11, Raegan Boothe 2 0-0 5. 3-pt goals — 8. FG Shooting — 25-62 ( 40.3 percent). Rebounds — 31 (Emma Atwood 7, Alli Masters 6, Jentri Hullinger 5, Raegan Boothe 5, ). Assists — 16 (Raegan Boothe 5, Alli Masters 4, Lily Simon 3, Emma Atwood 3). Steals — 13 (Alli Masters 3, Raegan Boothe 3, Jentri Hullinger 3 ). Blocks — 5 (Alli Masters 3). Team fouls — 19. Fouled out — None.

NV: Scoring —Addie Lamb 4 0-0 10, Josie Clarke 2 6-8 10, Annie Herr 4 0-2 8, Paige McEflish 1 3-5 5, Jodie Baudler 2 1-2 5, Natalie Daugherty 0 2-2 2, Riley Lonsdale 1 0-0 2. 3-pt goals — 2. (Addie Lamb 2) FG Shooting — 14-53 (26.4 percent). Rebounds — 38 ( Josie Clarke 12, Paige McElfish 11, Annie Herr 6, Riley Lonsdale 4). Assists — 8 (Annie Herr 5). Steals —8 (Annie Herr 3, five with one). Team fouls —10 . Fouled out — None.

CD (62)  23 6 22 11

NV (42) 9 15 8 10