English Valleys tops last season’s win total

Nothing shows signs of improvement like topping your win total from the previous season six games in.

English Valleys did that, improving to 5-1 on the season after this week’s games. The Bears were 4-20 a season ago.

After starting the season injured, English Valleys’ guard Christian Tripses is already showing his impact for the Bears.

Tripses led the Bears with 19 points in a 46-43 win over North Mahaska Tuesday. The sophomore shot an efficient 8-of-15, which included three three-pointers.

The Bears added a 48-37 win over HLV-TC Friday.

Here is a look at other area boys basketball highlights from the week.

Walter erupts for 31 in loss

COLFAX — Belle Plaine’s Mason Walter had himself a night in the 55-49 loss to Colfax-Mingo Tuesday.

Walter went 13-26 from the field and poured in 31 points. Cooper Hoey added nine.

A 15-8 third quarter scoring difference proved to be the game for the Tigerhawks, as the other three quarters combined produced a one-point scoring differential.

BGM gets first win

BELLE PLAINE — One team was coming away with its first win of the season, and Friday ninth that team was BGM.

The Bears defeated Belle Plaine 55-46 to improve to 1-5 on the season.

Balanced Montezuma outlasts Keota

MONTEZUMA — Brady Boulton led the way with 21 points and teammates Talen Holland, Easton Hudnut and Dane Strong added 13, 10 and nine points respectively in a close game with Keota.

The Braves edged Keota 64-56 to move to 6-1 on the season.

Long scores 20 in loss

SIGOURNEY — Iowa Valley’s Cole Long shot 72.7% from the field in his 20-point performance Friday against Sigourney.

The Savages defeated the Tigers 66-53.

Owen Ary nearly had a double-double for Iowa Valley, with nine points and 14 rebounds.