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The Pella boys captured at least a share of the LHC title by knocking off top ranked, undefeated Norwalk in impressive fashion 51-38 and avenging an earlier three point loss to the Warriors. Pella jumped out to a 6-0 lead before Norwalk closed to within 8-7 after one quarter. The Warriors held a 20-17 lead at halftime over Pella but the Little Dutch came out on a misson in the second half and went on a 12-0 run to start the third quarter and eventually outscored Norwalk 20-7 in the quarter to gain control and never trailed again. Coach Mark Core said the offense picked up in the second half, but he credited their aggressive defense for the win. Core credited the defense of Nick Dorman off the bench who had several steals and tipped balls as well as Chris Bandstra who shut down the post players of Norwalk.

After being held to just two points each in the first half, Pella’s two leading scorers Blaine Forsythe and Nathan Buchheit combined for 30 second half points. Forsythe finished with 20 while Buchheit added 12.

The win improves Pella to 16-2 on the season and they finish LHC play at 13-1 to earn at least a share of the conference title for the first time since 2004 and could still win the outright title if Pella Christian would beat Norwalk this afternoon. Pelal will host Washington in boys only action today then heads to Centerville to close the regular seson Tuesday night.