Focused GHV girls topple Panthers

It was a focused and determined Garner-Hayfield/Ventura girls basketball team that took the floor Friday night, Dec. 20, at home against Central Springs. 

“After our poor performance against Osage on Tuesday night, anything less from my group would have been a surprise,” said Coach Matt Erpelding.  “Our goal was to remain focused for 32 minutes on both ends of the floor.”

The Cardinals’ patience on offense paid off in the first half, as they garnered a 32-21 lead by halftime.

“Our post players did an outstanding job gaining position in the post and our guards did the best job of the year getting the ball to them,” said Erpelding.

GHV’s defense picked up in the second half, allowing the Panthers to score only five points in the third quarter.  The score at the end of the third was 48-26.  The bench was cleared in the fourth quarter and the coach was happy to see nine girls get to play at least 10 minutes, as the Cardinals cruised to an easy 61-36 victory.

“If we continue to play entire games with the focus we did in this game, we are going to see very good results,” said Erpelding.  “It was nice heading into the break with a game like this as we now know what we are capable of if we control both ends of the floor.”

Maddie Tusha and Emily Spilman led the offense with 14 and 12 points respectively.  Coach Erpelding also praised the play of Sydney Younge, who he said had her best game of the season.  Younge put up nine points and had six rebounds and two steals.  Shelby Rayhons and Grace Tusha had eight points apiece, while Olivia Hackbarth and Mackenzie Haag had three points apiece.  Mackenzie Van Gerpen and Kim Dornier rounded out the scoring with two points each.

Tusha also led the team in rebounds with seven, assists with seven and steals with seven.  Rayhons also had a good night on defense, collecting four steals and five rebounds.  Grace Tusha had four rebounds and two blocks, while Madee Hejna and Tiara Van Gerpen had three boards apiece.

The Cardinals’ record now stands at 4-3.  GHV hosts North Iowa on Tuesday, Jan. 7.  Game time is 6:15 p.m.