The AGWSR basketball teams came up short against Gladbrook-Reinbeck in an NICL rematch doubleheader on Tuesday, as aired on 104.9 KLMJ. The #4 (1A) Gladbrook-Reinbeck girls won 58-18 and the Rebel boys won 54-47.
In the girls game, after a competitive start to the first quarter Gladbrook-Reinbeck took control for the remainder of the first half by attacking the rim offensively and on-ball pressure defensively to take a 41-7 lead at the half. The Rebels maintained their momentum in the second half to put the game away.
Natalie Sizemore led the team with eight points. Brylea Metzgar and Carlie Hoodjer added five points apiece for the Cougars. Head Coach David Koop highlights what the trio brings to the team.
“Natalie’s doing a great job for a sophomore. She’s really playing 32 minutes a night for us. For going from JV only last year to varsity consistently now, she’s taking a big step. Excited to see where she grows in the next two years. Then from Brylea and Carlie, they continue to do what we ask of them,” says Koop. “It’s hard to get shots to go against Kennedy Brant, she’s a great post down low. Elly Sieh for them. They’re great athletes for GR. We got some shots blocked tonight, but at least we’re looking to score. It’s just not going to go some nights.”
In the boys game, following a defensive controlled first quarter, AGWSR led 11-4. Gladbrook-Reinbeck found their stride at both ends of the floor in the second, outscoring the Cougars 23-8 to take a 27-19 advantage at the half. The Cougars with some halftime adjustments worked back into the paint to pounce back in front with a 17-6 run in the third quarter and led 36-33 heading to the fourth. The Rebels tied the game at 43 in the fourth and never trailed again, sealing the game at the free throw line. Head Coach Ryley Schipper highlights the effort of the team.
“The guys answered the call at halftime, came out and did exactly what we needed to do. It came down to in the end, we just didn’t make enough plays. They made the plays down the stretch, we didn’t. I can’t fault my guys for their effort tonight. Really, like you said, we know each other well. Me and Brett know each other really, really well,” says Schipper. “I thought we game planned it well for them tonight. Early on, it was going our way. Then the ball didn’t bounce our way. Bo got in some foul trouble, but our guys really battled. Even with him sitting on the bench, we didn’t let it get away from us. That’s what we needed to see. That’s going to help us pay dividends continuing down the stretch.”
Bo Starr and William Hofmeister scored 14 points apiece to lead the Cougars.
AGWSR will travel to Wapsie Valley in NICL play on Friday.
