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The H-BC girls’ basketball team lost two hard-fought games last week.
H-BC fell to No. 6-ranked Dell Rapids, South Dakota, on the road, 69-46, Tuesday, Jan. 31, and gave up a physical win to Edgerton Southwest Christian 87-67 at home Feb. 6.
The Patriots are now 8-13 for the season and will face their next opponent, Huron Lake-Okabena-Fulda, on the road Friday, Feb. 10.
Dell Rapids 69, H-BC 46
The Patriot girls lost to the Dell Rapids St. Mary’s Cardinals 69-46 on the road Tuesday, Jan. 31.
“Dell Rapids was the end of a four-game stretch over five days,” said head coach Dylan Gehrke.
“They’re definitely some of the best shooters that we have faced this year,” said Gehrke. “They ended up making 13 3-point shots on the night.”
The Patriots were able to outrebound Dell Rapids 32 to 25 and sank 10 of 17 free throws for 59 percent.
But it wasn’t enough to overtake the Cardinals’ scoring ability.
“This is one scrappy squad,” Gehrke said. “Not much for size, but they make up for that with their quickness, speed, and intensity on defense. Offensively, they all can light it up from about anywhere.”
The Patriots made nine 3-pointers and were only down 41-27 at half.
Eighth-grader Olivia Deelstra scored a double-double, making 11 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. She also has three assists and one steal.
Junior Lanae Elbers posted 11 points, three rebounds, three assists and one blocked shot.
Junior Layla Deelstra added eight points, one rebound, one assist and five steals to help the Patriots.
Other scorers for H-BC were junior Larissa Steinhoff with six points, freshman Abbie Harris with five, sophomore Emma Deelstra with three, and sophomore Bailey Spykerboer with two points.
“It will be nice to have a few days of practice before SWC comes to town on Monday for a big Red Rock Conference battle,” Gehrke said.
SWC 87, H-BC 67
The Patriot girls lost a fast and physical game to Southwest Christian 87-67 at home Monday, Feb. 6.
“Monday night was definitely a physical battle. Both teams left it all out there,” Gehrke said.
“We had girls playing a lot of minutes last night and I couldn't be prouder of them. I love the passion and fight that our girls play with.”
H-BC played controlled ball in the first half and most of the second. SWC wore the Patriots down, causing missed passes and turnovers toward the end of the game.
“If we can continue to cut down on our turnovers and fix a few things on defense, we will maybe come out on top in some of these games,” Gehrke said.
“Props to the SWC girls. Veldkamp was relentless attacking the basket and boards, and Fey did a good job of posting up and finishing around the rim,” Gehrke said.
Olivia Deelstra made 26 points, seven rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocked shots.
Elbers posted a big double-double in the game. She scored 16 points and had 10 rebounds with two steals and one blocked shot.
Layla Deelstra added 11 points, three rebounds, five assists and one steal.
Rauk netted 2 3-pointers and one basket under the net for eight points. She also posted four rebounds and one assist.
Steinhoff made six points, had four rebounds and two assists.
Harris did not score but helped the team with four rebounds, three assists and two steals.