GIRLS BASKETBALL: Slight edge helps Treynor pull away

The first half of the Nodaway Valley Wolverines’ season opener at Treynor last Friday saw both teams struggle to shoot the basketball well.

The first half saw a low scoring affair with Treynor leading 22-12 after making a 3-pointer to end the half.

The offenses got clicking more in the second half as Treynor pulled away in the fourth quarter to take a 62-40 opening night win. It was the season opener for both teams.

Treynor played Harlan Tuesday, Nov. 26 while Nodaway Valley will be back on the court Tuesday, Dec. 3 when preseason Class 1A No. 5 Mount Ayr comes to town.

“Our kids didn’t quit,” said Nodaway Valley head coach Brian Eisbach. “Tonight allowed us to see what parts of our game we need to keep working on.”

Both teams scored more than 20 points in the third quarter of the game, however the Cardinal lead was too large for Nodaway Valley to overcome. The Cardinals outscored the Wolverines 27-21 in the quarter to take a 49-33 lead into the final quarter.

The Wolverines were monsters on the glass, racking up 45 rebounds with 10 offensive and 35 defensive rebounds. A year ago, they had six times in 24 games where they had 40 or more rebounds, but never 45.

“We had one of our better box-out games that I can remember,” coach Eisbach said. “It wasn’t easy; Treynor was active on the glass too. With all the 3-pointers shot, there were a lot of long rebounds.”

The Wolverines were led by Izzy Eisbach who had a double-double with 29 points and 16 rebounds, including 11 first-half rebounds. She also added three steals, three assists, and four blocked shots.

Mylee Comstock nearly had a double-double herself, scoring six points and grabbing nine rebounds.

Maddie Weston made a 3-pointer and had three rebounds, an assist, a blocked shot and Taylor Day had a bucket and six rebounds.

Liv Laughery also chipped in five rebounds.

All 14 Wolverines who made the trip played in the game.

The Wolverines shot well from the free throw line, making 11-of-14 attempts. Treynor went 11-of-17. The two teams were ice cold from the 3-point line in the game, combining to shoot 8-for-58.

Three Cardinals reached double figures, led by juniors Nora Konz with 20 points and Ella Thornton with 12 points. Thornton transferred from Fremont-Mills, where she averaged 13.2 points and 6.8 rebounds a game last year. Freshman Addison Maurer added 11 points and nine rebounds.

Southeast Warren is the only other Pride of Iowa Conference team that has played so far. The Warhawks won 35-32 at Colfax-Mingo. The Tigerhawks are out of the South Iowa Cedar League. Martensdale-St. Marys, Mount Ayr, Central Decatur, Lenox and Wayne were to begin their seasons this week.