Ominous “Game Number 15” is coming up for both Pella High basketball squads this week, first things first is a trip to Washington this evening for a non-conference meet-up. Substate pairings for the postseason are based on games 5 – 15. The Lady Dutch had an eventful weekend, knocking off the Oskaloosa Indians, one of the top teams in the state, in double overtime, and then falling to PCM the very next night. The Pella girls seemingly have their hands full against an 11 – 4 Demons who are currently ranked 14th in the state in Class 4A. Washington’s biggest threat is their balanced scoring; the Demons’ top five scorers average at least five points per game, so look for Garland’s gals to try and slow down Washington’s offense early on. The Little Dutch are winners of four of their last five, and following their most recent win over Oskaloosa, Coach Mark Core said that to better their offense and rebounding, they implemented some unconventional tactics to help his guys out.
“In some ways, we almost went back to junior high basketball to improve some offensive things,” Core said. “I think they helped, quite honestly. Then as far as rebounding is concerned, we really did turn in a terrific effort on the boards [Friday night].”
Washington brings a 2 – 9 record into this evening’s contest, which will be aired live on 92.1 KRLS and streamed live at kniakrls.com, with Cory Houser and Randy Sikkema providing the play-by-play, with the pregame show starting immediately after Focus on the Family at around 6:00 p.m.