The West Liberty High School girls’ basketball team of Coach Matt Hoppner fell to Mid-Prairie Monday before rebounding with decisive victories over Tipton and Northeast, all in River Valley Conference action.
The Comets climb to 14-4 on the season and remain the number eight ranked team in the state.
On Monday, the Comets headed to Wellman to take on the Golden Hawks but neither team was able to establish themselves in the opening quarter, scoring just 11 points combined, the Comets trailing 6-5. The defensive struggle continued in the second period, neither team creating separation as Mid-Prairie clung to a one point 17-16 halftime lead.
The defensive showdown continued in the second half and the Golden Hawks crept to a slim 27-24 lead. The Comets fought valiantly in the fourth quarter, outscoring their foes 14-13, but fell a bucket short on the evening, losing 40-38.
Maddie Nonnenmann led all scorers for the Golden Hawks with 23 points including a trio of three point shots. The senior also had eight rebounds and two blocked shots in the win.
Junior Finley Hall led Comet scoring with 17 points and 11 rebounds, hitting six field goals and a trio of three points while going 2-3 from the line. Seniors Sailor Hall and Macy Daufeldt both scored eight a piece while Pearson Hall rounded out Comet scoring with 5. Daufeldt also had nine rebounds in the game. West Liberty hit four less free throws in the game despite shooting half as many from the stripe while also missing on 28 three-point shots compared to 18 for the hosts. The Comets did win the rebounding battle by five, 39-34, and claimed 11 steals in the loss, Finley Hall and Daufeldt each with three.
On Friday, the Comets headed to Tipton to play the Tigers. They wasted no time making their presence known in the matchup, as the Comets rolled ahead 36-0 after the first quarter. The Comet defense held their opponents scoreless through the midpoint of the second quarter, taking a 44-3 advantage into the locker room. The Comets allowed just ten points in the second half, cruising to a 69-13 victory.
Daufeldt had 32 in the contest for the Comets along with 12 rebounds, connecting on 12 field goals, a trio of three point shots and all five of her free throws. Finley Hall added 14 on five of eight shooting from the floor and four of five three pointers while sister Pearson added seven points. Brooklyn and Sophie Buysse both added five points for the Comets while Sailor Hall and Paige Wherling added three a piece to cap scoring. Sailor also had seven steals in the game.
On Saturday, the Comets made the long journey to Goose Lake to play Northeast. The teams traded baskets throughout the opening period and the Comets found themselves trailing the Rebels 19-15 after the first quarter.
The Comet defense solidified in the second quarter, holding their opponents to just three points and taking a 39-22 lead into halftime. The Rebels were unable to turn the tide after the break as the Comets barrage continued, collimating in a 65-39 victory to end the week. There were no scoring totals reported.
The Comets head to Iowa City Regina Friday with a 6:45 p.m. tipoff before capping the regular season at home against neighboring rival Wilton Tuesday, Feb. 8, beginning at 6:15 p.m.