By Michael Rupp
Fresh off of Christmas break the Lady Royals traveled to Sioux City on Monday for a non-district matchup against the 5A Black Raiders. MMCRU was able to stay undefeated up to the Christmas break, and looked to continue the win streak on the road vs. East.
The Raiders came into the night at 6-3 on the season, losing only to Bishop Heelan, Sergeant Bluff-Luton, and Dowling Catholic.
The Royals showed up as the heavy favorite, despite being a much smaller school, but East High was up for the task in the first quarter. The Raiders played tight defense and got a lot of looks from beyond the arc. East led 15 to 13 at the end of the 1st, but the Royals got things going late in the 2nd quarter. Senior Emily Dreckman, who is currently 5th in the War Eagle in total points scored, was able to gain control in the post. At the half the Royals had the lead 32-25.
Early in the 3rd quarter the Raiders 3 point shooting got hot again, but Senior Ellie Hilbrands went to work in the post. In order to slow down the Royals offence East began full court pressing. The Royals, rather than slowing down, played even better against the press, setting up Hilbrands for her second 3 pointer of the season. At the end of the 3rd MMCRU’s lead was 45-37.
The Royals were able to put up 20 points in the 4th, and went home victorious 65-48.
The victory was a landmark for Hilbrands, who became the second member of the class of 2022 to score 1000 points in a season. Senior Taylor Harpenau also accomplished this goal back in December against Gehlen Catholic.
Tuesday the Royals traveled to Harris-Lake Park and took down the Wolves in dominant fashion 60-24.