Murray 59,
Lamoni 37
SEYMOUR — Murray took a commanding 40-13 lead into halftime here Friday, rolling to a 59-37 win over Lamoni in the Bluegrass Conference semifinals.
The Lady Mustangs improved to 15-2 for the season with the win.
“Got off to a quick start and an early lead,” head coach Jerry Shields said. “We were able to get everyone a lot of playing time and give a little rest for the starters.”
Megan Oswald led the way for the Lady Mustangs, scoring 16 points with eight rebounds. Kate Patton had a strong game with 13 points, nine assists and six steals. Madison Gonseth just missed a double-double with 10 points and nine rebounds.
Deena Snyder, Courtney Siefkas and Shelby Myers each scored four points. Myers grabbed four rebounds, while Snyder finished with four. Cheyanne Ashby scored three points.
Murray 63,
ACA 59
SEYMOUR — Murray built an early lead and then held off an Ankeny Christian run in the second half for a 63-59 win here on Friday, claiming the Bluegrass Conference Tournament title.
It marks the first time the Lady Mustangs have won the conference tournament since 2007.
Kate Patton scored 30 points in the game, becoming Murray’s all-time career leader in scoring, passing the mark set by Kristin (Shields) Flaherty in 2007 of 1,248 points.
“We got out to an early lead and were able to hold off a couple of ACA runs in the fourth quarter,” head coach Jerry Shields said. “They cut the lead to five three or four times, but could not get any closer. We made some key free throws down the stretch. Had a seven-point lead at the end and they made a three at the buzzer.”
Patton also recorded six steals with four assists. Megan Oswald recorded a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Madison Gonseth finished with 11 points and eight boards.
Deena Snyder scored four points, while Courtney Siefkas, Chellsea Jones and McKenzie McIntosh each added two points. McIntosh pulled down five rebounds and Jones dished out five assists.
Central Decatur 61, Bedford 55
BEDFORD — Central Decatur picked up a key Pride of Iowa Conference win here on Friday, taking control of the conference championship race with a 61-55 overtime win over Bedford.
The win improved the Cardinals to 10-2 in the conference with games remaining at Martensdale-St. Marys (10-3) on Feb. 4, vs. Pleasantville (3-9) today, at Southwest Valley (5-8) on Friday and against Wayne (7-6) on Tuesday.
Central Decatur sits a half game ahead of both Interstate 35 and Martensdale-St. Marys following the win, with the Feb. 4 game against Martensdale-St. Marys playing a big role in determining the conference championship.
Interstate 35 lost to Southwest Valley 51-35 on Friday before picking up a 67-20 win over Pleasantville on Monday. That win improved to Roadrunners to 11-3 in the conference with games left against East Union and at Martensdale-St. Marys.
Central Decatur fell behind Bedford early, trailing 19-13 after one quarter of play and 33-21 at halftime.
But, a 15-4 advantage in the third quarter pulled the Cardinals to within one point, and they forced overtime with a 13-12 advantage in the fourth quarter.
Central Decatur doubled up Bedford in overtime, 12-6, for a 61-55 win.
Hallie Linhart scored 29 points to go with her 15 rebounds, three assists and three steals to lead the Cardinals.
Lydia Martin chipped in 19 points with 15 rebounds and four steals. Freshman Raegan Boothe also scored in double figures with 11 points to go with seven rebounds. Lily Simon was the only other Cardinal player to score in the game with two points.
As a team, Central Decatur came up with 20 steals and the Cardinals shot 19-of-29 from the free throw line.