×

MHS girls can’t keep pace with Ottumwa

OTTUMWA — The chance to contend for another win escaped early and the Marshalltown girls’ basketball team fell off pace against Ottumwa, dropping a 54-20 CIML contest on Tuesday night at Evans Middle School.

Playing their third game in four days, the Bobcats (1-11) didn’t have enough energy to exert and still be effective at both ends of the court. Ottumwa (4-6) capitalized, holding Marshalltown to single-digit scoring in each of four quarters.

“Given our recent schedule, I thought we came out and battled for most of the first half about as well as we could ask,” said MHS head coach Brian Murphy. “We played solid team defense (though still giving up way too many offensive rebounds) and didn’t give up any uncontested shots for most of the half.”

Ottumwa still sped out to a 16-5 lead after the first quarter and carried a 19-11 advantage into halftime. The Bulldogs then outscored the Bobcats 17-2 in the third quarter to take firm control.

“In the second half, a combination of fatigue and frustration set in and we allowed a short stretch in the third quarter to affect our play on both ends,” Murphy said.

The Bobcats piled up 22 fouls as Ottumwa sputtered to a 15-for-34 performance from the free-throw line. It was more than enough, however, to hold off a Marshalltown team that tallied just four field goals in the entire game.

Lily Roberts led MHS with eight points and three assists, while Rachel Smith finished with six points. Sophie Younkin had three points and nine rebounds, while Zaielah Newman added three points in her return to the lineup.

“As we look ahead, we’re challenging the team to find some fire and pull each other along when things start to slide in games,” Murphy said. “We have individuals that respond in those moments, but we need all five players to step up and fight when things start to skid.”

Anne Guest and Addison Ransom scored nine points apiece to lead Ottumwa, while Zoey Jones contributed eight points and Isabelle Mellin had seven.

The Bobcats are back in action Friday with a road game at Class 5A No. 6 Ankeny Centennial.

Ottumwa 54, Marshalltown 20

MARSHALLTOWN (1-11) — Rachel Smith 2 1-2 6, Lily Roberts 1 5-6 8, Sara Huffman 0 0-0 0, Sophie Younkin 0 3-6 3, Kaylin Smith 0 0-0 0, Zaielah Newman 1 1-2 3, Malena Kammerer 0 0-0 0, Amaya Moore 0 0-0 0. TOTALS 4 10-16 20.

OTTUMWA (4-6) — Isabelle Mellin 2 2-2 7, Zoey Jones 3 1-6 8, Chloe Schneckloth 1 1-3 4, Anne Guest 3 3-5 9, Josie Lemonds 2 1-6 6, Olivia Coram 2 0-0 5, Alivia Van Maanen 1 0-0 2, Addison Ransom 2 5-7 9, Chloe Bradley 0 2-2 2, Kennedy Hugen 1 0-0 2. TOTALS 17 15-34 54.

MHS 5 6 2 7 — 20

OTTUMWA 16 3 17 18 — 54

3-Point Goals–MHS 2 (R. Smith, Roberts), Ottumwa 5 (Coram, Mellin, Jones, Schneckloth, Lemonds). Team Fouls–MHS 22, Ottumwa 19. Fouled out–K. Smith, Lemonds.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.38/week.

Subscribe Today