A complete team effort carried the Iowa Lakes Lakers over the Ellsworth Panthers to earn their second conference win. The Lakers had scoring from ten different players including four in double figures to defeat the Panthers 81 to 62 Saturday in Estherville.
It was the Panthers who started with the hot hand and jumped out to an early lead in the first quarter. With three minutes left to go in the first Ellsworth had built a 14-7 lead. The Lakers finished the quarter strong to bring the score to 16-16 going into the second quarter.
The Lakers kept up the intensity in the second, scoring 30 points while holding the Panthers to just five. Scoring for the Lakers was incredibly balanced, with seven different players contributing, three of whom came off the bench. With the strong second quarter Iowa Lakes led 46-21 at half time.
The second half was again more balanced, but the Lakers were able to maintain their safe lead the rest of the game. The lead allowed Head Coach Ashley Martin greater flexibility with playing time. "I was excited to see some growth today from different players. We were able to have some different lineups in the game and give some of the players more opportunities than they have had in the past. I'm so proud of the kids that stepped up today and are starting to show what they will be able to do and how they will be able to grow this season."
Martin got consistent performances from her starting lineup with Shareece Smith, Breanna Wendland, and Samantha Hagedorn all scoring in double figures with 16, 15, and 13 respectively. Reserve Brianna O'Donnell recorded a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds. "Bri has been a hard worker since the day she stepped on campus. It's so great for her to start seeing that hard work pay off on the floor," said Martin of the freshman's contribution.
The Lakers are 11-2 on the season and 2-0 in conference play. The Lakers finish out the first semester on Wednesday, December 12th as they host NJCAA Division I Marshalltown at 5:30pm.
Iowa Lakes 16, 30, 16, 19
Ellsworth 16, 5, 19, 22
Photo ID: Photo of freshman Alisa Anderson of Ralston, NE attached.
Other: Interview with Head Coach Ashley Martin
MEDIA: For more information, please contact Head Women's Basketball Coach Ashley Martin at (712) 362-7928 or the Iowa Lakes sports information office at (712) 362-7928.