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WMU wins opener in New London
Wolves dominate down low, knock off Tigers on Day 1 of girls basketball
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
WINFIELD — Last winter, Winfield-Mount Union’s Josie Nelson was skipping basketball to focus on wrestling, and Kynlee Buffington was still in eighth grade. In Game 1 of the 2024-25 season, the duo made sure their presence was felt.
The Wolves’ starting posts combined for 40 points and 28 rebounds as WMU knocked off New London 65-28.
“I was so nervous for this game,” said Buffington, who drew the starting spot in her first high school game. “I was freaking out before it.”
It was New London that had the hot hand early. The Tigers jumped out to an 8-2 lead, a nice confidence boost for a team that won just one game last season.
“It was absolutely encouraging in the beginning,” said Tiger head coach Austin Burns. “That's something I hope they remember going forward.”
The lead, however, was short-lived. Winfield-Mount Union scored the final 13 points of the first quarter, led 15-8 after one period, and took a 28-16 lead into halftime.
“I think we had some nerves in our system,” said WMU head coach Mendy McCreight. “After that first two minutes, they went out and did what they were supposed to do.”
The Wolves went crazy in the third quarter, putting 22 points up in the period to lead the game 50-21.
Buffington went off for 23 points and 17 rebounds to lead WMU. Nelson finished with 17 points and 11 rebounds.
“The first couple of practices were a little rough,” said Nelson, who plans on wrestling and playing basketball this season. “I've got the flow of it now.”
Madisen Kellogg scored eight points for the Wolves. Kellee Milks had seven. Kaelyn Townsley put up six, and Suttyn Schlee scored four.
New London was coled by thet trio of Maison Nelson, Morgan Jones and Megan Lee, who scored eight points each. Shay Wilka and Mylee Miller each scored two points.
