Le Mars girls’ basketball will live to play another game thanks to a big postseason road win against Humboldt last night by a score of 58-47.
The story of the year for the Bulldogs has been their youth. Every night, they trot out numerous underclassmen and one senior to play some really tough competition. Head Coach Cody Dyhrkopp says that this postseason game was a first for many on his team, and they needed to be reminded that the nerves were normal.
The key for Le Mars’ success all night was their defense. The Bulldogs were making plays by making ball-handlers uncomfortable, getting in passing lanes, and altering shots. Coach Dyhrkopp says that the schedule they played all season in the MRAC prepared them to play good defense in the postseason.
The offensive side of things took a little time to get rolling. Le Mars trailed 24-22 at the end of the half shooting just 29% from the field and 14% from the three-point line. The Bulldogs came out of the half a changed team. They outscored Humboldt 36-23 in the second half shooting 48% from the field and 4-5 from the three-point line. Coach Dyhrkopp says that his team was due for a good shooting night, and it came at a good time.
The Bulldogs finished with everyone getting involved in the offensive game. Sarah Brown led the Bulldogs with 15 points and 13 of those coming in the second half. Lexi Hurd reached double digits with 11 points while Madi Huls and Maggie Allen added nine each. Coach Dyhrkopp knew that this kind of night would be a possibility thanks to the great week the Bulldogs had leading up to the game.
The Bulldogs now move on with their 10-12 record to face third-ranked Bishop Heelan for the third time this season. The Bulldogs lost their previous meetings with Bishop Heelan by a combined score of 105-67. The Bulldogs also averaged 27 turnovers in those two games, and Coach Dyhrkopp knows that stat has to change if the Bulldogs want to be successful on Saturday.
Humboldt’s season comes to an end at 12-10.
