Rockets Win Battle of 63
EDDYVILLE – Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont showed why they are the No. 5 ranked team in Class 2A Monday as they scored an impressive 68-46 victory over No. 13 North Mahaska. The Rockets used solid outside shooting and strong inside presence to secure the win over their U.S 63 foe.
It may not the last time the two teams see each other this season as they are in the same Class 2A bracket. If they meet, it would be a berth in the state tournament.
EBF, 18-1, has plenty of offensive weapons so it was a matter of keeping the hands moving and trying to limit the shots. North Mahaska opened the game with a pair of free throws and a basket then Ava Eastlick and Molly Shafer took over. Eastlick hit four 3-pointers in the first half and fueled a 22-2 run over seven minutes to take a 36-18 lead at halftime.
“They just move the basketball so efficiently,” said NM coach L.E. Moore. “That Eastlick girl sees the floor and doesn’t need much of an opening. I was really pleased with the way we played; we only turned the ball over 11 times. We need to get shots to fall.”
North Mahaska, 16-4, also had three players in double figures and held a 25-24 rebounding edge and collected 11 steals from the Rockets. NM was led ins coring by Breckyn Schilling with 12 points. Sydney Andersen and Kayla Readshaw each scored 11. Andersen pulled down nine rebounds with five steals and two assists Regan Grewe score nine points and had five rebounds.
Molly Shafer powered the Rockets’ ship with 25 points. Eastlick had 21 and Aliya Wagamon scored 15. Kate Shafer led the rebounding with 10.
North Mahaska will close out the regular season at 6 p.m. Tuesday when they travel to Oskaloosa to take on the 9-8 Indians. The Warhawks will open Class 2A tournament play next Tuesday when they host the winner of the Cardinal-Pella Christian contest. Game time in New Sharon will be 7 p.m.
