In the spirit of neighboring school districts getting together on the basketball court, Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn decided to hold a block party. The Hawks rejected 17 South O’Brien shots and turned away the Wolverines 51-41 December 17 at Paullina. The victory boosted HMS to 2-0 in the War Eagle Conference and 6-2 overall.
Abby Douma registered 12 of the blocks to bring her season total to 53. Also getting in the act were Kylee Schiphoff with three blocks and Moriah Otto with two.
South O’Brien was held to 23 percent shooting with 14 baskets in 60 attempts. The Hawks were 17-of-50 from the floor for 34 percent but seven of their hoops were from beyond the arc. Each team sank 10 free throws with HMS attempting 15 and the Wolverines 20.
The Hawks got 15 points from Schiphoff, 10 from Douma, nine from Frankie Mohni, eight from Otto, four from Gracie Knobloch, three from Lindsey Van Es and two from Eliza Tewes. Knobloch was the assists leader with four.
The turnovers total were nearly even with HMS committing 18 and the Wolverines 19. Schiphoff made three steals while Knobloch and Van Es each had a couple of thefts. The Hawks ended with a slim 40-36 edge in rebounds. Otto collected 11 caroms, Douma eight, Schiphoff six and Tewes five.
HMS 16 14 15 6 – 51
S. O’Brien 8 17 9 7 – 41