Pella Christian’s upset bid fell short last night, as number three in class 2A West Branch survived a scare from the Eagles 41-37 in a regional semifinal heard live on 92.1 KRLS.

The Bears burst out to a quick 6-0 lead before P.C. settled in and ended the first quarter in a 12-12 tie, and eventually the Eagles took a 22-21 lead into halftime.  That advantage grew to 28-23 midway through the third quarter, but West Branch answered with a 14-4 run to claim a 37-32 lead.  Pella Christian fought back to tie the game at 37, but West Branch scored the final four points at the free throw line to earn the victory.

The Bears entered the contest with an 18-1 record averaging over 60 points per game, but Eagles coach Brad Engbers’ club responded with one of its best defensive efforts of the season.

“We talked about it before the game, saying that defense has to carry us and if we defend well we have a fighting chance.  I was so proud of the girls with how hard they defended against a really good team.  We were after loose balls and had hands in all the passing lanes.  I couldn’t be prouder of the kids.”

Allison Van Gorp led Pella Christian with 13 points and seven rebounds in the final game of her high school career.  The Eagles finish the 2021 campaign with a record of 9-14.