As a team is trying to develop a rhythm offensively, especially with inexperienced players taking the court for the first time, defense is one thing coaches key on early to help keep them in games and find some wins at the same time. “D” was a big key to the Pella Christian girls’ basketball team’s success this season. The Eagles only allowed two teams to score more than 60 points against them this season; in fact, Pella Christian allowed less than 44 points per game in 24 contests. Coach Kevin Van Maanen said there were a few games that stuck out in his mind where he was particularly impressed by his team’s defense. Van Maanen adds that while the offense was not particularly clicking against West Marshall, the defense down the stretch helped them stay close and eventually claw ahead for the win in the postseason. The Eagles were 13 – 11 this season.