Pella used a dominating second quarter on both ends of the floor to blow open an eventual 79-51 victory over Des Moines Hoover last night in a boys basketball district first round contest as heard live on 92.1 KRLS.

The Dutch led 16-10 after one, then outscored the Huskies 24-6 in the second frame.

“That second quarter was great to see us establish our defense, create some havoc and some deflections that then transferred to offense”, said head coach Derek Schulte. “I thought that in the first quarter we were trying to find our way a little bit. Their pressure defensively and athleticism had us a little out of whack early. We were okay, we just weren’t excellent during that stretch. That second quarter really came alive and looked like Pella basketball.”

Jack McGuire led four Pella players in double figures with 17 points. Harrison Mullens, Brayden Traetow and Austin Schulte all chipped in 10 as 12 Dutch players scored in the game and the running clock was on for a big chunk of the second half.

Pella improves to 17-6 on the season and advances to host Newton on Thursday night in the district championship game.