The Iowa Falls-Alden basketball teams each were outshot in North Central Conference losses at Humboldt Friday, as aired on 104.9 KLMJ. The girls lost 58-47 and the boys fell 81-57.
In the girls game, the teams played mostly back-and-forth throughout the first half, and the Wildcats led 27-25 at the break. But the Cadets were held to just two points in the third quarter, which came on two free throws. Iowa Falls-Alden’s first field goal of the second half came at the 7:11 mark of the fourth quarter, by which point Humboldt had built a double digit lead. The lead increased to 20, but the Cadets closed the gap when Humboldt’s reserves entered late.
The Cadets shot just 28 percent, including 22 percent from three-point range, led by Elody England with 18 points and Brooklyn Handeland with 15.
In the boys game, Humboldt raced out to an early advantage, but the Cadets held their ground offensively in the first half, battling to a 21-21 tie. But the Wildcats pressured the Cadets into turnovers and dominated on the boards to close the half on a 19-8 run for a 40-29 halftime lead. Iowa Falls-Alden had a glimmer of hope in the fourth quarter when they cut the deficit to 12, but Humboldt pulled away and slammed the door on any comeback hopes.
“They got a lot of kids that can shoot the ball,” Head Coach Mike Holm says. “I think they said they were 43 percent from the three point line tonight, 56 from two. So that’s hard to guard. Give all the credit to Humboldt. They got some kids that can just light it up. We play hard every single night. We go out and scrap and do what we can. And we’ve talked since day one that rebounding is going to be key for us. And if we don’t rebound, we’re going to have trouble. And tonight on the offensive end and Tuesday night on the offensive end, we did not rebound. And it’s just proof to the kids, I told them at the end of the game that that’s something we have to work at. We’re never going to be bigger than anybody, but we have to battle for rebounds. And that’s the way we’re going to stay in games.”
Kale Kalous and Calvin Hutchinson each led with 12 points.
The Cadets will return to action with non-conference games Monday. The boys will be at South Hardin and the girls will be at Ogden.
Mike Holm interview:
