Mid-Prairie tops West Branch in first home game of the year

By Giovanni Coronel
Posted 1/25/23

Spectators filled the seats to welcome the Golden Hawks in its first home game of the year. Mid-Prairie, entering this game on a two-game winning streak since the new year began, continues to remain …

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Mid-Prairie tops West Branch in first home game of the year

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Spectators filled the seats to welcome the Golden Hawks in its first home game of the year. Mid-Prairie, entering this game on a two-game winning streak since the new year began, continues to remain spotless in January play with a win over conference opponent West Branch, 46-37, last Tuesday.

It was an even-keeled first quarter, with both teams being knotted up at seven points apiece, but it was West Branch who broke the tie by making three consecutive three-pointers to take a four point lead to end the quarter. 

In the second quarter the Golden Hawks did a better job at defending the three-point shot of West Branch and was even able to take the lead by the way of a 10-4 run.

“In the 2nd quarter we did a better job of getting the ball inside and we were able to score around the basket,” Mid-Prairie head coach Daniel Hershberger said about his team being able to take the lead in the second quarter. “Defensively our press was very effective in getting some turnovers and we did a better job of taking away 3 point shots after they hit four 3’s in the first quarter.”

After taking the lead Mid-Prairie, thanks to the shooting of sophomore Brylee Gearhart and senior Landry Pacha, ended the half with a 28-21 lead. However, this momentum would not carry over into the next quarter. 

The third quarter proved to be a challenge offensively for the Golden Hawks. Only making one basket in the entire quarter after 4:40 of play, courtesy of junior Nora Pennington after she stole the ball, Mid-Prairie found West Branch’s defense after half time to be quite formidable 

“[West Branch] defense is very aggressive and physical and they made us work hard to get the ball and to get good shots.” Hershberger said. “We had some good looks in the third quarter but we weren’t able to get shots to fall.”

After being outscored 12-2 Mid-Prairie lost its lead and went into the fourth quarter trailing by three. 

Between both teams there were eight field goals made in the final quarter. West Branch made the first and last shot of the quarter, both two-pointers, and the six other made field goals all belonged to Mid-Prairie. 

Outscoring West Branch 16-4 in the final frame of the game the Golden Hawks were able to recapture the lead and played good team defense to hold West Branch to its lowest scoring quarter of the game. 

“Amara Jones and Nora Pennington did a great job for us defensively.” Hershberger said. “Jones, Landry Pacha, and Kylie Reinier played really well in the 4th to get us the lead back and help secure the win.”

GAME STATS

Mid-Prairie 65, West Liberty 44

West Branch  16     5    13     5  --  37

Mid-Prarie       10   18     2     16  --  65

Mid-Prairie Scoring: Nora Pennington 9, Kylie Reinier 8, Amara Jones 8. 

West Branch Scoring: Kylie Pickett 12, Avery Schultes 7, Alyse Klinkkammer 6.

Mid-Prairie Rebounding Leader: Maya Nonnenmann 7, Reinier 4, Jones 4.