The Belmond-Klemme girls’ basketball team is back in the win column.
For the second time this season, the Broncos took down Northwood-Kensett. This round it was 45-17 at Belmond-Klemme on Jan. 8.
Two days earlier, Belmond-Klemme lost at West Hancock, 57-28.
The girls are now 2-9 overall and 0-6 in the Top of Iowa West standings.
West Hancock 57, Belmond-Klemme 28
Belmond-Klemme got behind early against West Hancock and couldn’t escape a large first-half deficit, falling 57-28.
West Hancock is known for its relentless defensive pressure. They displayed that in full during this game.
“West Hancock came out strong early, setting the tempo with their pressure, and while we battled hard throughout the game, we were unable to keep pace,” Belmond-Klemme coach James Severson said. “We continued to compete and show effort on both ends of the floor, but West Hancock pulled away.”
Belmond-Klemme was down 19-5 after the opening quarter and then 37-13 at halftime. The Broncos won the third quarter, outscoring West Hancock, 15-14.
Kendra Huedepohl led the Broncos with 11 points and Kaylen Morris added 10. Team stats from the game were unavailable as of press time.
Belmond-Klemme 45, Northwood-Kensett 17
For the second time in a little over five weeks, Belmond-Klemme hammered Northwood-Kensett, the latest being 45-17 on Jan. 9.
“We used strong defensive pressure to create scoring opportunities and control the game,” Severson said. “It was a true team effort, with multiple players contributing on the offensive end.”
According to Severson, the win showcased his team’s continued growth and commitment on both ends of the court.
Belmond-Klemme was up 14-4 after the opening quarter and increased its lead to 22-9 at the break. The Broncos put the game away in the third quarter, outscoring their opponent 12-4 to take a 21-point lead into the final eight minutes of the game.
Belmond-Klemme shot 16-for-53 (30.2%) from the field. They had plenty of second-chance opportunities with 16 offensive rebounds.
The team’s defense shined, picking up 20 steals, forcing 30 turnovers and holding Northwood-Kensett to just 11.6% (5-for-43) shooting.
Huedepohl and Nevi McMurray each scored 14 points to lead Belmond-Klemme. Huedepohl also had nine rebounds — five on the offensive glass — three steals and two assists. McMurray had seven rebounds and four steals.
Morris scored nine points and added four assists and three rebounds. Lila Swenson tallied eight steals and four points. Lily Pigman chipped in five rebounds and two steals.
Up next for Belmond-Klemme, it will host Lake Mills on Jan. 16, be at Clarion-Goldfield-Dows on Jan. 19 and host Eagle Grove the following day.