Helton leads Dutch to second women’s basketball conference victory
Central Dutch Athletics
PELLA, IOWA— For the first time since 2002, the Central College women’s basketball team is 2-1 in Iowa Conference play after an 86-77 triumph over Nebraska Wesleyan University Wednesday night.
Central (4-3 overall) senior guard Jessica Helton (Nevada) had a huge night with 23 points and nine rebounds, both career highs.
“Really proud of Jessica Helton’s performance, said coach Joe Steinkamp”. “She guarded their leading scorer, lead us in assists and had nine huge rebounds. Then she also shot the ball really well. One of the best all-around performances I’ve seen from a point guard, she was outstanding.”
Senior sharpshooter Emily Dine (Oldsmar, Fla., East Lake HS) led the Dutch with 24 points, including four 3-pointers. Dine grabbed six rebounds and dished out four assists.
“We wanted to attack their press tonight and we kind of did that,” said Steinkamp. “We were able to convert offensive rebounds and Emily was able to knock down some shots for us.”
Senior forward Jackie Kriegel (Marengo, Iowa Valley HS) had her third statistical double-double of the season with 16 rebounds and 11 points. Kriegel has 38 rebounds in her last two games.
“Jackie was great again on the boards,” said Steinkamp. “I thought her defense on Kate Schulte in the second half was really big.”
The two teams were locked at 42 at halftime before Central grabbed a 61-59 lead heading into the fourth quarter. Nebraska Wesleyan (5-2 overall, 0-2 conference) cut the Central lead to one four times in the final period but Central never relinquished the lead.
The Dutch bench was a crucial part in the victory according to Steinkamp.
“I thought Kristin Hubert (junior, Moville, Woodbury Central HS) played big minutes off the bench,” he said. “She attacked the rim and made some nice finishes and some nice passes.”
Hubert had a season-high seven points and two assists and junior guard Kaitlyn Johnson (Stockport, Van Buren HS) added nine points off 3-of-6 shooting from beyond the arc off the bench.
Central looks to extend its winning streak to three games Saturday with a 1 p.m. tipoff against Iowa Wesleyan University in Pella at P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium. Live stats and a broadcast can be found at athletics.central.edu.
