Garner-Hayfield/Ventura and Mason City face off in an Iowa Hall of Pride Challenge basketball game

Despite a lopsided score, Garner-Hayfield/Ventura Head Girls Basketball Coach Matt Erpelding said he liked what he saw from his team on Friday, Nov. 16, when the Cardinals faced Mason City in an Iowa Hall of Pride Challenge.

“Mason City is a very, very good team and I wanted my girls to play against a team of that caliber so they could see where we want to get to as a team,” said Erpelding.  “We were able to get a good look at several of our defenses and had a chance to face 

some half-court pressure defense, as well.”

The Mohawks jumped to an early 26-8 first quarter lead. They stretched that to 45-19 by halftime.  The second half was a little more balanced.  Mason City scored 20 points in the third quarter to G-H/V’s 10, 65-20.  The fourth quarter saw balanced scoring with each team collecting 15 points for the final, 80-44.

Maddie Tusha had a good game for the Cardinals.  She collected 14-points, had seven rebounds, three assists and five steals.

Also scoring for GHV was Bre Bier and Hannah Hutcheson with nine and eight points respectively.  Shelby Rayhons added seven and Emily Spilman and Tiara Van Gerpen added three apiece.

“Offensively, we never really got settled into our game, as the Mason City defense really caused us some problems getting started,” said Erpelding.  “We used the scrimmage as a learning experience, which I think we will look back on later in the season as a very good thing.”

The proceeds for the Hall of Pride Scrimmage were donated to United Way of North Central Iowa.  In addition to the scrimmage, each team volunteered for a community service project that was meaningful for their school and community.  The Mason City basketball players volunteered with the United Way of North Central Iowa and the Backpack Buddies program.  The G-H/V players volunteered with the Concord Care Center in Garner.