Defensive pressure was key for Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn in picking up a 54-43 victory over South O’Brien January 18 at Paullina. “Our full court man-to-man press got the girls going and gave us turnovers that led to some buckets,” explained HMS head coach Lester Tessum.
The Hawks moved out to a 15-9 lead after one quarter but South O’Brien rallied to close within a point (22-21) at halftime. Following intermission the tide turned again as HMS rebuilt its advantage, holding a 38-30 lead after three quarters. “At halftime we changed a little bit of our offense, moving Jasmine Lux to the top of the free throw line,” noted Tessum. “Jasmine has been aggressive looking to score and also to facilitate by getting the ball to someone else for a good look.”
Lux found enough good looks for herself to finish with a season-high 21 points. The Hawks got 12 points from Lydia Harders, eight from Kylee Schiphoff, seven from Emily Otto and six from Elise Haack.
HMS made 23 of 55 field goal attempts for 42 percent. The visitors were 4-of-13 from three-point range and 4-of-9 at the free throw line. The Wolverines shot 39 percent from the floor (17-of-44). That included a 4-of-10 effort from beyond the arc. South O’Brien made five of nine charity tosses.
Mutombo and Otto each came away with a pair of steals. Lux dominated the boards with 13 rebounds but got help from Schiphoff (four boards) and Otto (three). HMS was guilty of 15 turnovers. The Wolverines turned the ball over 23 times.
HMS 15 7 16 16 – 54
South O’Brien 9 12 9 13 – 43