English Valleys, Montezuma advance in Class 1A Region 8

English Valleys (17-5) and Montezuma (17-6) took care of business in the first round of girls basketball regionals Thursday night in Class 1A Region 8.

The wins set up the winner-take-all third matchup between the two South Iowa Cedar League Schools in the second round of regional action.

Montezuma won the early season contest 48-23, while English Valleys won the most recent game on Jan. 30, 39-38.

The two will face off Tuesday, with a trip to the regional semifinals on the line.

Montezuma 49, Iowa Valley 24

MONTEZUMA — The Bravettes jumped to a 16-5 lead after a quarter and did not look back.

Claire Erselius led the team in scoring with 15 points and was one of three players in double figures. Sydnee Burgess added 14 and Vivian Cook 11.

Iowa Valley finishes the season 2-21.

English Valleys 54, Belle Plaine 23

NORTH ENGLISH— This game was close and low-scoring to begin. After a quarter, English Valleys led Belle Plaine 5-3.

The Bears slowly increased their lead in every quarter after, leading 19-11 at halftime.

Alli Hoover led the Plainsmen with seven points off the bench as Belle Plaine finishes its season 2-20.