Rough end to layoff for Central women’s basketball team
PELLA—The effects of a two-week layoff were evident Saturday as the Central College women’s basketball team absorbed a 95-58 setback against the University of Dubuque.
Ball skills were lacking as the Dutch (2-9 overall, 0-5 American Rivers) committed 28 turnovers, primarily against Dubuque’s full-court press. The Spartans (11-7 overall, 5-4 conference) had a 37-8 advantage in points off turnovers.
Central, which was playing its first game since Jan. 8 after being sidelined due to health and safety protocols, was more effective at breaking the press in the teams’ first meeting a 65-53 Dubuque win Dec. 4, according to coach Joe Steinkamp.
“I think the layoff was a big part of that,” Steinkamp said. “The first time we played them, they had to adjust and get out of that press against us because we kind of diced it up but today was a little rough. We just couldn’t get into a rhythm. The points off turnovers were really the difference in the game. We gave up so many possessions.
“I thought in the half-court we were able to move the ball, get some high-low stuff and get some open threes but we just didn’t play well enough in the full-court to put it all together.”
The Spartans made 21 steals, including six by guard Tabria Thomas, and that led to several fast-break baskets.
Central got 13 points from guard Kelsea Hurley (junior, Scottsdale, Ariz., Desert Mountain HS) and 12 points with eight rebounds and four blocks by center Allison Van Gorp (freshman, Pella, Pella Christian HS). Forward Kassidi Steel (sophomore, New Sharon, North Mahaska HS) had eight rebounds and four assists. Central knocked down eight threes, including three by Hurley.
“It was good to see Kelsea hit a few threes again and Allison continues to be pretty solid down low once we get her the ball,” Steinkamp said.
Dubuque outshot Central 46.8% to 35.2% and hit nine 3-point baskets.
“Dubuque shot and made threes at a clip that they haven’t,” Steinkamp said. “Alli Bailey had four threes on the year coming into the game and then she hit four today.”
It was just the fourth home game of the season through nearly three months for the young Dutch.
“It’s crazy,” Steinkamp said. “We just need to play. I do think there’s some moments where you can see glimpses of better play, but we need to see it more often.”
He’s hopeful that will happen.
“This is the healthiest we’ve been all year,” Steinkamp said. “We finally had a full squad at practice the last two days. We just have to continue to get better.”
The Dutch are off until Saturday when they take on Coe College at Cedar Rapids. The women’s-men’s league doubleheader tips off at 2 p.m. Coe is 6-12 overall 3-6 in the league after getting tripped at first-place Simpson College Saturday 89-53.
