February 19, 2026
Local NewsState & National

Timberwolves advance to semifinals

SW Valley sets school victory record

By LARRY PETERSON
Southwest Valley's Ada Lund concentrates on a free throw during Tuesday's regional game against Central Decatur. Lund had 15 points and seven steals in the 59-42 victory.

Southwest Valley's Ada Lund concentrates on a free throw during Tuesday's regional game against Central Decatur. Lund had 15 points and seven steals in the 59-42 victory. (Larry Peterson)

CORNING — Southwest Valley’s swarming pressure defense set the tone early in a 59-42 win over Pride of Iowa Conference rival Central Decatur in the Class 2A Region 6 quarterfinals Tuesday night.

The Timberwolves (16-6) set a school record for victories in their third win over the Cardinals this season. Forcing numerous Central Decatur turnovers, the Timberwolves held a 29-19 halftime lead and extended the margin to 19 points with an 18-7 third quarter.

Southwest Valley freshman Elin Hogan (20) guards Aubri Perkins of Central Decatur. Hogan scored 15 points in the 59-42 win.

Southwest Valley freshman Elin Hogan (20) guards Aubri Perkins of Central Decatur. Hogan scored 15 points in the 59-42 win. (Larry Peterson)

Point guard Ada Lund, the program’s all-time steals leader, had seven swipes Tuesday while scoring 15 points. Freshman guard Elin Hogan also scored 15 points with three 3-pointers. The school’s all-time rebound leader, Mackenzie Fast, finished with 10 points and eight rebounds. Fast went 10-of-12 at the free throw line.

Senior Hailey Randall, who has surpassed 1,000 career points, contributed 13 points and seven rebounds Tuesday. She was 7-8 at the line as the Timberwolves outscored Central Decatur 19-9 on free throws.

Southwest Valley travels to sixth-ranked Treynor in Friday’s semifinal round. The Cardinals (19-2) advanced with a 64-35 win over Interstate 35. Central Decatur’s season ended at 13-9.

Hailey Randall of Southwest Valley shoots a jump shot in the lane against Central Decatur. Randall finished with 13 points and seven rebounds.

Hailey Randall of Southwest Valley shoots a jump shot in the lane against Central Decatur. Randall finished with 13 points and seven rebounds. (Larry Peterson)

In other Region 6 quarterfinals, Pleasantville ended 12th-ranked Mount Ayr’s 20-2 season with a 58-50 victory over the Raiderettes, despite a game-high 27 points by Mount Ayr’s Izzy Gilbertson. Sigourney beat Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont, 58-47.

In Region 3, Nodaway Valley (20-2) topped Grand View Christian, 64-56 and will play Friday at No. 15-ranked Earlham, a 45-43 winner over Woodward-Granger. Top-ranked Hinton (18-1) beat Madrid 67-20; and MVAOCOU topped Lawton-Bronson, 59-30.

Southwest Valley's Mackenzie Fast, the school's all-time leading rebounder, grabs one of her eight rebounds Tuesday against Southwest Valley. Fast scored 10 points in the regional quarterfinal victory.

Southwest Valley's Mackenzie Fast, the school's all-time leading rebounder, grabs one of her eight rebounds Tuesday against Southwest Valley. Fast scored 10 points in the regional quarterfinal victory. (Larry Peterson)

In Class 1A, Martensdale-St. Marys defeated Murray, 44-34; and St. Albert rolled past Sidney, 74-22.

CENTRAL DECATUR (42) — Totals — (FG FT PTS) 16 9-16 42. Breegan Lindsey 5 1-4 11, Soiyer Smith 3 3-4 10, Aubrey Schreck 3 1-2 7, Landi Leeper 2 2-2 6, Grace Leahy 1 2-2 4, Aubri Perkins 2 0-2 4. 3-point goals — 1 (Smith 1). Team fouls — 15. Fouled out — none.

SW VALLEY (59) — Totals — (FG FT PTS) 17 19-24 59. Elin Hogan 5 2-2 15, Ada Lund 6 0-2 15, Hailey Randall 3 7-8 13, Mackenzie Fast 0 10-12 10, Nora Paul 2 0-0 4, Lydia Forsythe 1 0-0 2. 3-point goals — 6 (Lund 3, Hogan 3). Team fouls — 16. Fouled out — None.

Larry Peterson

LARRY PETERSON

Former senior feature writer at Creston News Advertiser and columnist. Previous positions include sports editor for many years and assistant editor. Also a middle school basketball coach in Creston.