Bravettes’ Cook has big week of milestones

MONTEZUMA — It’s been quite the week for Montezuma girls’ basketball senior guard Ellen Cook.

In a 79-25 win over Moravia Monday, Cook made some history. She became the team’s all-time leader in assists with 290 and counting.

The previous mark was held by Elise Boulton.

Cook, and younger sister Vivian, combined to make 12 threes in the win.

That wasn’t it for the Bravettes’ senior either.

The following day, in a 64-26 win over HLV-TC, Cook crossed the 1,000-career points mark.

Cook scored 22 in the win and almost put up a triple-double. She’s the second Montezuma athlete to reach the milestone this season. Brady Boulton hit the mark earlier.

The Bravettes have won nine of their last 10 games and are co-South Iowa Cedar League West Champions.

First-year coaches seeing growth

Getting acclimated to a program takes times for a first-year coach at any level.

Belle Plaine coach Brant DeMeulenaere is learning that in his first season as head coach for the Plainsmen boys.

The Plainsmen lost a lot of production from last year’s team and finished the regular season with a 5-16 record after a 76-69 win over Cedar Valley Christian Thursday.

“It’s been pretty smooth for the most part,” DeMeulenaere said. “The biggest thing that haunted us was the lack of experience. Saw a lot of growth from everyone that returned from a year ago.”

Coach Nick Blomme, an HLV alumnus, is in his first season at the helm for the HLV-TC girls’ team.

The Warriors boasted a 11-9 after Friday with one regular season game remaining Monday.

“It’s been a terrific first year,” said Blomme. “I love this group, and watching them progress on the floor as a team and be great role models for others has been really special.”

Warriors get sweep in Thornburg

THORNBURG — The HLV-TC Warriors boys and girls came out on top Friday during homecoming games for Tri-County.

The Warriors used a 24-point third quarter to pull away for a 71-57 victory in the boys contest.

Peyton Roth had 34 points, and Levi Molyneux added 18.

The Warriors won the girls game 65-16.

Etzel has big-game off the bench

MARENGO — Noah Etzel had a big game off the bench in the Iowa Valley boys win over Woodward Academy Monday. The Tigers won 74-58.

Etzel scored 19 on eight of 12 shooting.

Three other Tigers were also in double figures: Caleb Haack had 13, Owen Ary 12 and Zavier Pedersen 10.

The Tigers, with 12 wins, are tied for the second most since 2008.

Luers puts up near triple-double with steals

NORTH ENGLISH — In a dominating 56-6 win over Cedar Valley Christian Monday, English Valleys’ Anna Luers nearly hit a triple-double.

Luers posted 13 points, 11 steals and grabbed eight rebounds.