GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM HAS BACK TO BACK LOSSES

MCCVS.EDGERTON

The MCC Rebel girls played host to the Edgerton Flying Dutchmen on Thursday night. The Rebels were looking to stay undefeated in Red Rock Conference play, while the Dutchmen were looking to make it three wins in a row. This one was a frustrating game for the Rebels. They would dominate the game in every way except one, and that is the one that counts.

The Flying Dutchmen have struggled with turnovers this season, which was perfectly suited for the Rebels, who have forced turnovers at an amazing rate. The Rebels’ opponents have turned the ball over no less than 25 times this season. The Dutchmen have also been a streaky shooting team this year and that also played out on Thursday. Edgerton started the game hot, taking the early lead. Cali Wagner and Kya Voge combined to make six three point shots in the first half. Voge opened the game with a three and added another late in the half. Wagner spread her four made shots across the first half. The Rebels defense was strong, forcing 16 first half turnovers, but the Rebels struggled to score. No matter how open the shot was or how close to the basket, the Rebels could not score easily. Ava Deacon led the Rebels with 7 first half points. The Rebels made just 7 shots from the field in the first half and they didn’t make a three point shot. The Dutchmen led at the break 25 to 22.

The Rebels made a run early in the half and at one point the Rebels tied the game. But it didn’t last long. The Dutchmen were making 3’s in the first half, but they went cold from behind the arc. Then, Reese Vande Griend and Kami Smit took over around the basket. The duo combined for 19 points that would nearly match the Rebels’ 22 second half points. The Rebels out rebounded Edgerton and forced them into 18 more turnovers, yet the Rebels could not score. Edgerton would win 52 to 44.

The Rebels lost their second game in a row, while Edgerton won their third in a row. MCC shot 19% from the field while the Flying Dutchmen made 36%. The Rebels outrebounded the Dutchmen 39 to 37 and forced 32 turnovers while giving the ball away just 14 times. Ava Deacon led the Rebels with 15 points while Calleigh Doeden scored 8. The Dutchmen were led by Kami Smit who scored 15 points, Cali Wagner 14, and Vande Griend added 10. The Rebels will face two tough games coming up this week against HBC and SWC.

MCC VS. HBC

The Murray County Central Rebel Girls were on the road on Tuesday night, headed to Hills to play the Patriots of Hills-Beaver Creek. HBC is the favorite to win the Red Rock Conference this season.

The Rebels hoped to post a big win, and for much of the first half they were in the game and competing well with the undefeated Patriots. The second half was a different story as the Patriots would pull away for the win.

The Rebels got off to a good start, with their tempo getting them good looks inside and out. The drives to the paint got the Rebels to the free throw line and created openings. They trailed 20 to 18 when the Patriots scored seven straight points to begin to open up their lead. Ava Deacon led the way for the Rebels early. The Patriots led at the half 37 to 21. The Rebels were outscored 17 to 3 over the last five minutes.

The Rebels scored 9 points in the first five and a half minutes of the second half but they allowed 16. The Patriots ran away from the Rebels the rest of the way. The Patriots moved the ball well and everyone had moments to score. The Patriots beat the Rebels 71 to 45, moving to 4-0 on the season while the Rebels have dropped 3 in a row.

The Patriots shot 46 percent from the field and 36 percent from the 3-point line, but oddly made just 37 percent of their free throws while turning the ball over 17 times. The Rebels shot 27 percent from the field, but 10 percent from the 3-point line and made 41 percent of their free throws, finishing with 12 turnovers.

Ava Deacon finished the game with 14 points, Kate Miller finished with 9, Kate Blankenship added 7, and Calliegh Doeden scored 6. The Rebels will play Friday night in Slayton against Southwest Minnesota Christian.