By Michael Rupp
With an undefeated record in Iowa Girls High School Basketball, MMCRU remains on top of the War Eagle Conference at 14-0. Following Varsity Bound’s most recent ranking, the Royals are currently ranked 1st in Class 1A, with Newell-Fonda and Exira-EHK right behind. The Royals, who have been on the road a lot lately, finally got back home last week. The Wolverines of River Valley came to Remsen holding a 3-12 record. River Valley is a young squad, starting 2 Freshman and 3 Juniors on Monday.
The Royals were happy to be back home, and it showed on the court. Senior Emily Dreckman led the Royals on a 18-0 run in the first 4 minutes before River Valley Freshman Jacy Jacobson knocked down a wide open 3-point shot from the top of the key. By the end of the first the Royals held a twenty-point lead, 26-6.
Through the 2nd quarter the Royals continued to control the court. The starters saw most of the time through the first half, but bench players Mykin Youde, Avery Schlenger, and company cycled through the rotation as well. At halftime the Royals lead was 47-16.
In the second half the Royals JV saw most of the minutes, allowing the upperclassman time to rest. River Valley found ways to put points on the board, but not nearly enough to catch up to the Royals after their explosive first half. The final score was 74-34 in favor of the Royals. Senior Emily Dreckman finished the night 8 for 15 with 18 points and 5 rebounds. Senior Taylor Harpenau shot 100% from the court and 3/3 from 3-point range. Senior Ellie Hilbrands pulled down 7 rebounds and put up 12 points.
On Tuesday the Royals were in Marcus to face Conference rival Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn. The Hawks are 4-9 on the season and 2-7 in the War Eagle. The Royals got off to another hot start against the Hawks. Putting up 21 points in the first quarter. Seniors Dreckman and Hilbrands were both able to get two early 3 point plays after fighting through fouls to get the bucket. Mya Holmes was also able to control the paint with a solid height advantage. The Royals ran their full-court press early in the contest as well, holding HMS to 11 points in the first.
Moving into the second quarter HMS tried to stack the lane to keep the Royal Seniors from having control under the basket. The Royals struggled to be able to shoot from deep, but they found more success in the fast break. Dreckman along with Junior Kora Alesch were both able to find success on the fast break. At the end of the half the Royals lead had grown to 38-18. Coach Letseche kept the starters in through the 3rd quarter and into the 4th. A 36 point second half led the Royals to their 15 win of the season. Final score 74-45 Royals.