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Long drains 10 threes, sets school record
Tigers get morale-boosting win heading into new year
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
MARENGO — It was a record-breaking performance for Iowa Valley’s Cole Long in a 73-32 boys basketball win over HLV-TC Monday night.
Long drained a school record 10 three-pointers in his 36-point performance.
“My teammates were just finding me when I was open, and I was getting good looks,” Long said.
The Tigers were able to work through the zone all game and get good looks inside and out. Many of Long’s three-point makes came off swing passes.
“I’ve been preaching team basketball and sharing the ball,” head coach Josh Konicek said. “Tonight was great for our team chemistry.”
Long wasted little time heating up, sinking three from beyond the arc in the first quarter.
The Tigers led 17-7 after one and increased their lead more in every quarter after.
No team had a size advantage inside as both teams played zone most of the game.
Iowa Valley was able to successfully crash the board on multiple occasions and get some fast break points off loose balls.
“Crashing the offensive boards, getting our hands on as many loose balls as we can and running the court were all part of our game plan coming in,” Long said.
A recipient of several of those fast break baskets for the Tigers was Zavier Pedersen, who has stepped into a consistent starting role this season.
The sophomore scored in double figures on the night with 14 points.
“He’s done a great job stepping up this year,” Long said.
HLV-TC’s best quarter in terms of scoring was the second, where they scored 14. The Tigers led at half 38-21.
In the huddle before the second half began, the message from coach Konicek was simple: “Don’t let up and don’t be complacent. Play like it’s 0-0.”
The Tigers certainly did that, extending their lead to 26 after three quarters.
“We had to keep our foot on the pedal and keep building off what we started,” Long said.
Long had 24 points at half and put the finishing touches on his performance with four more threes in the second half.
HLV-TC, down two starters in the game, was led by 10 points from Lance Milton. Aiden Van Waus added eight. The Warriors dropped to 3-5.
The win for the Tigers was also a morale booster heading into the break, as they were 1-5 coming into game.
“Tonight was huge for our morale,” Konicek said. “Besides one game, we’ve been in every game so far this season. Super proud of how they battled back after some tough losses.”
In the girls game, HLV-TC defeated Iowa Valley 51-43. The Warriors were able to pull away late in third, after trailing 30-29.
Other Area Scores Monday
Girls
Colfax-Mingo 42, BGM 38
Colo-Nesco 28, Belle Plaine 24
Lynnville-Sully 44, English Valleys 35
Boys
BGM 61, Colfax-Mingo 49
Colo-Nesco 55, Belle Plaine 44
Lynnville-Sully 65, English Valleys 44
