Panther defense clamps down on Ottumwa

MT. PLEASANT — The Mt. Pleasant girls basketball team didn’t let up an inch of court on Monday night in a non-conference showdown against Ottumwa. The Panthers used stifling defense to knock the Bulldogs off 44-12.

The Panthers pressed the Bulldogs into oblivion throughout the first half. Ottumwa scored just once in opening two periods, and Mt. Pleasant led 16-2 after one period and 23-2 at halftime.

“We've got some speed and athleticism, and some long arms out there,” said Panther head coach Curt Watson. “I think we do a really good job of anticipating, too, and trying to get to the spots.”

The Bulldogs scored twice in the third quarter but Mt. Pleasant continued to dominate. The Panthers led 33-6 after three, as Ottumwa continued to turn the ball over against a faster Mt. Pleasant defense.

“Really it's just talking to each other,” said junior guard Tristian Shull. “And we've really worked on anticipating the ball, and knowing when to go for it.”

Andrea Lopreato had yet another strong game, leading the Panthers with 23 points, nine rebounds, six steals and five assists. Kenna Lamm finished with seven points, six rebounds and five steals.

Shull scored five points for Mt. Pleasant. Kate Schimmelpfennig and Andi Scott dropped four apiece, and Elsie Lange finished with one.

Mt. Pleasant is now 10-10 overall, having won five of its last seven games. The Panthers will take a 4-5 Southeast Conference record into a Friday night showdown against Fairfield (11-7, 6-3). The Trojans nipped the Panthers 52-48 in the first matchup.

“We're so excited,” said Shull, who missed the last Fairfield-Mt. Pleasant game with injury. “We're ready, and we want revenge.”