Bulldogs Defeat Cubs for First Win of Season

The Hampton-Dumont-CAL girls basketball team picked up their first victory of the season when they defeated the Nevada Cubs 42-24 on Tuesday, Dec. 2. It was a steady offense that led the Bulldogs to the win, as they scored 10 or 11 points in each quarter. Each of the five Bulldogs starters put points on the board, with three players scoring nine points or more. Bulldogs head coach Miranda Stafford discussed how balanced scoring is important for them this year.

"We're going to have to have that," Stafford said. "You can't rely on one person. MacKenzy has been a little frustrated, I know she was after last game. It takes a little weight off of her shoulders that she can kind of relax and play."

The Bulldogs jumped out to a 10-6 lead at the end of the first quarter, behind four early points from junior Madison Heilskov. The Bulldogs dominated the second quarter 11-2, to take a 21-8 lead into halftime. After being held scoreless in the first quarter, MacKenzy Valley scored her first four points of the game in the second quarter.

The Cubs would outscore the Bulldogs 11-10 in the third quarter, to cut the Bulldogs lead to 31-19. Valley would start the second half hot, as she scored the Bulldogs' first eight points in the quarter, including knocking down two three pointers. The Bulldogs used an 11-5 fourth quarter run to put the finishing touches on their 42-24 victory. Valley kept her scoring going in the fourth quarter, as she led the Bulldogs with five points in the quarter to finish with a game-high 17 points. Valley spoke on what got her going in the second half.

"My teammates encouraged me to keep shooting and keep working hard even when my shots weren't falling," Valley said. "That really encouraged me to keep shooting, and eventually they started going in."

Valley led the Bulldogs with five assists and also had a strong night defensively, as she led the team with five steals and five blocks. Heilskov finished with 10 points, two blocks, two steals and five rebounds. Sophomore Birdget Brocka scored nine points and led the Bulldogs with nine rebounds. Junior Addison Aalbers and sophomore Keely Moorehead both scored three points on one three pointer made. Coac Stafford explained how the girls have to not get too caught up in the victroy and get ready for the next game.

"This group has to keep things in perspective and go game by game," she said. "Every game is going to be different, and every team we play is going to be different."

The Bulldogs lost their next game to Clear LAke 59-15 on Friday, Dec. 5 to fall to 1-2 on the season and 0-1 in district play. The Bulldogs hosted Dike-New Hartford on Tuesday, Dec. 9 and their next game is at Webster City on Friday, Dec. 12 at 6 p.m.