Action was a little ragged in the first half, but the Bravettes
got things smoothed out later on in their win at HLV.

Big third quarter lifts girls past HLV
Jan. 3, 2012

VICTOR - The Bravettes practiced well during holiday break, coach Keith Sietstra said. "In fact, they were the best Christmas break practices we've had since I've been here," he said. "The team were were in the second half tonight was the team that we were during those practices. And we got good results."

Leading just 14-9 at halftime, the Bravettes got a defense-generated offense cranked up in the second half and sped away to a 49-31 victory over HLV.

The victory was Montezuma's eighth in 12 games and seventh in 10 SICL contests.

Montezuma pushed the ball downcourt to post player Brynna Steele, who scored 16 of her game-high 20 points - and all but two of the Bravettes' points - during the third quarter.

Montezuma led 32-14 after three and traded points on an even basis the rest of the way in.

"When we handled their press, we got good looks. But it started with our defense," Sietstra said.

And in the middle of that defense: Senior Alexis Ferguson. "She got her hands on the ball a lot," Sietstra said. "Then Brynna did a good job of running the floor."

The Bravettes played good defense throughout, but struggled some on offense during first half play.

But the ball began moving better on the offensive end after intermission. In additon to Brynna Steele's finishes on the break, Montezuma posted up Emily Long, who produced 11 of her 14 points during second half action. She also led the Bravettes with 10 rebounds on the night.

Carly Steele scored 7 points and dished some assists for the Bravettes, although Montezuma's electronic charts didn't show a number on assists.

The ever-present Ferguson had 6 points and had to be in the minds of HLV's passers most of the night.

"We played defense and rebounded well all night," Sietstra said. "And the girls stuck with it on offense and I'm proud of them for that," he said. "It was good to have a bad offensive first half and still come off the floor with a lead."

Abby Schafbuch was active inside against Montezuma's defense and led the Warriors (2-8) with 12 points.

WATCH IT! - at 1 and 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday on Local Channel 3, with Keith Brake and Zach Price bringing home the action.

NEXT UP - The Bravettes host Tri-County on Friday.

SCORE BY QUARTERS
Montezuma  5    9   18   17  -  49
HLV             2    7     5   17  -  31

MONTEZUMA (49): Aly James 0, 0-0, 2, 0. Maranda Evans 0, 0-0, 0, 0. Alexis Ferguson 2, 2-5, 4, 6. Shena Bryan 0, 0-0, 0, 0. Carly Steele 3, 1-2, 1, 7. Courtney Petersen 0, 0-0, 2, 0. Madison Dawley 0, 0-0, 2, 0. Mackenzie James 1, 0-0, 3, 2. Brynna Steele 10, 0-0, 4, 20. Emily Long 3, 7-7, 0, 14. TOTALS: 19, 10-14, 18, 49.

HLV (31): Chelsea Grypp 2, 2-4, 5, 6. Taylor Tanner 0, 2-4, 3, 2. Tiffany Gray 2, 1-3, 2, 5. Abby Schafbuch 4, 4-8, 1, 12. Chelsea Pierce 0, 2-2, 1, 2. Dani Kunz 2, 0-2, 3, 4. TOTALS: 10, 11-23, 15, 31.

Three-point goals: Montezuma 1 (Long 1). HLV none.
Fouled out: HLV (Grypp, 4:23 4th qtr.)
Turnovers: Montezuma 29, HLV 22.
Bravette rebound leaders: Long 10, B. Steele 5, Ferguson 5, A. James 4, C. Steele 3.
Assist leaders: not available.
Steals leaders: Ferguson 3, B. Steele 2.
Blocks: Long 2.

Line score legend: Field goals made, free throws made-attempted, personal fouls, total points.

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