Highland girls defeat Iowa-Grant in non-conference action 54-34

By John Dalton

Highland’s first half pressure defense forced Iowa-Grant into rushed shots and caused turnovers which led to easy baskets, as the Cardinals built a 21-point halftime lead 29-8, in a non-conference game Monday night at Highland.  

When the Panthers did get shots off, unfortunately the ball did not want to drop through the hoop.  The second half was a different story for the Panthers as they outscored the Cardinals 26-25, but the halftime deficit was too much to overcome as the Cardinals moved to 4-1 on the season with a 54-34 victory, while the Panthers fell to 1-3.  

“We knew what they (Highland) were going to throw at us.  They run that extended 2-3 zone so well and it’s intimidating for sure,” said Iowa-Grant Head Coach Jessica Schultz following the game.  “Our girls played with a little too much fear in that first half and not enough confidence, which was tough to see especially coming off our huge win on Friday.”

Adilyn Esser and Addison Bedward combined for 27 points to lead the Cardinals in scoring.  Eight Cardinals scored in a well-balanced team effort that pleased Highland Head Coach Josh Tarrell, particularly the first half.  “We played a pretty good first half.  Second half, they got into us a little bit and started hitting some shots.  We got a little lackadaisical in the second half and we’ll have to work on that, but overall, I’m proud of the girls getting the job done,” he said.  

Following the break, Iowa-Grant came out determined.  “At halftime we made some offensive adjustments, and we told the girls that this game is far from over.  If Highland can get us in a 20-point hole, who’s to say we can’t fight back and make a game of it,” said Schultz.  

Panther Leah Nelson hit her first two shots of the second half to help get the Panther offense going, and Malen Anitua came off the bench to spark the Panthers with 10 second half points.  Nelson led Iowa-Grant in scoring with 13.  “Leah is playing so well right now, and Malen had a great game off the bench in the second half, and Kylie (Breuer) had a great defensive game,” said Schultz.

“Addison Bedward had a great offensive game for us tonight, it was nice seeing her some shots and looking to score more,” Tarrell said. “We have a lot of potential, we’re long, we have good shooters, and when we play defense like we can, we’re going to be all right, but we just got to keep getting better.”

Despite the loss, Schultz sees nothing but effort in her squad as they continue their journey through the season.  “These girls are so fun to coach - win or lose - they are positive and just want to know how they can get better - there is no hanging heads or pointing fingers and they never give up they just compete the whole game it's truly incredible for how young we are,” she said.  “Overall, I’m proud of the fight these girls have and super excited with what I am seeing this early in the season.”

Next game up for Highland is a home game Thursday, December 11, as they host Benton in a game that tips off at 7:15 p.m.  Iowa-Grant plays at Riverdale Thursday at 7:15.  

For video highlights of the Highland vs. Iowa-Grant game, go to the Dodgeville Chronicle Facebook page.

Box Score

Highland 29 – 25 – 54

Iowa-Grant 8 – 26 – 34

Highland (fg-ft-tp); Adilyn Esser 6-0-14, Addison Bedward 6-0-13, Sophia Tarrell 3-3-9, Brinleigh Bollant 3-0-7, Celia Oleson 2-0-5, Emily Laufenberg 1-0-3, Lily Tarrell 1-0-2, Caitlyn Fritsch 0-1-1.

3-pointers; Esser 2, Laufenberg 1, Bollant 1, Bedward 1, Oleson 1. 

Iowa-Grant (fg-ft-tp); Leah Nelson 6-1-13, Malen Anitua 4-1-10, Reese DiVall 3-0-6, Rena Perrit 1-0-3, Trysta Cordts 1-0-2.

3-pointers; Pettit 1, Anitua 1.