The third-ranked Hinton girls basketball team advanced to the Class 2A state championship game with a 51-45 win over No. 2 Iowa City Regina on Friday afternoon. The win puts Hinton in the state championship game for the first time since 2002.
The Blackhawks held Iowa City Regina’s career scoring leader to just nine points to help secure the win. Head coach Matt Leary says he was ecstatic with the defensive intensity.
Addy Pigott had the defensive assignment on some of the top Regina players all game. She says her ability to face guard made her a very good defender.
Hinton had a 21-13 lead midway through the second quarter, and Regina finished the half on an 11-0 run to lead at the break. Coach Leary says the girls needed another re-group at the halftime break.
Hinton came out and went on another strong run to open the second half. They outscored Regina 8-1 to open the third quarter and take the lead. Sydney Doeschot was a large reason why leading Hinton with 24 points. She says her ability to get to the hoop made her a big threat offensively.
The Blackhawks were also the more physical team down low. They won the rebounding battle by a margin of 46-27. Coach Leary says the Blackhawks took advantage of a mismatch down low.
Raelyn Kempema led Hinton’s rebounding effort with 14 boards. She says she was better at boxing out and creating those opportunities.
Kempema and Doeschot created several opportunities with screens and cuts that allowed them to get to the cup. Kempema says that cohesiveness has been building all season.
Doeschot hit another gear in the second half getting a three late in the shot clock to give Hinton a big lead and an and-one that put Hinton up for good in the second half. Coach Leary says she took it to another gear in the second half.
The and-one basket proved to be the biggest point in the game. Doeschot says that moment fired up the fans and let her know that this could be done.
Addy Pigott also came up with some clutch shots as part of her seven points for the game. She says she thrives in those big moments thanks to getting out of her own head.
The Blackhawks improve to 25-0 and will take on No. 5 Central Lyon in the Class 2A Championship game on Saturday evening at 4:45 PM. Kempema says there is some revenge to it since the Blackhawks lost to the Lions twice in region finals the last two years.
Coach Leary says both teams are familiar with each other thanks to their proximity. He says it will be a great matchup for northwest Iowa.
Hinton and Central Lyon will square off on KLEM on Saturday evening. Tip-off is at 4:45 PM with pregame coverage scheduled to start at 4:30 PM.
