A season filled with expectations started with a bang for the Pella High boys basketball team, as the Little Dutch knocked out North Polk 78-35 last night in their season opener.  Earlier in the evening, the Lady Dutch lost a third quarter lead and fell to the Comets 59-54.  Both games were heard live on 92.1 KRLS.

Pella’s boys nailed 12 three-point baskets, including six by senior Grant Nelson, who led all scorers with 27 points in less than three quarters of action.  The Little Dutch led 19-4 at the end of the first quarter and were up 47-18 at half.  Coach Derek Schulte says it was a solid first outing for his club.

“I thought our guys’ energy, intensity and communication on the defensive end at the beginning of the game was critical in setting the tone.  And then offensively we were unselfish, we made good passes, and Grant got it going.  It was fun for a senior in the first game of his senior year to light it up like that.”

Parker Elder and Ayden Gordon both scored 11 points for Pella, and Karl Miller chipped in nine.  The Little Dutch are 1-0.

Pella’s girls had multiple leads in their game against the Comets, but North Polk’s Makalya Boatman exploded for 22-points in the second half en route to the five point victory.  Reagan Van Wyk scored 14 for the Lady Dutch and Madison Naig added 10.  Pella is 1-1.

Both squads are back in action at home on Friday night against Indianola.