Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn and Unity Christian returned from break to hook up January 2 at Orange City. The break was still en vogue for one team, however, as Unity scored a number of fast break baskets to build a 14-point lead at the end of one quarter. That propelled the Knights to a 62-51 victory. The teams left the court with identical 7-3 season records.
The Hawks were able to draw five points closer by halftime but trailed 55-40 after three quarters. They were unable to bring the deficit under 11 during the final quarter.
Unity Christian came away with 18 steals in the game. The Knights’ 19 offensive rebounds resulted in key second chance points. In many instances they were quicker to the ball to maintain or regain possession.
HMS made eight steals with Gracie Knobloch accounting for three thefts and Moriah Otto two. The Hawks lost the overall rebound battle 41-23. Otto was the rebounding leader with seven boards. Abby Douma and Knobloch each collected five caroms while Kylee Schiphoff corralled four.
Schiphoff led HMS in scoring with 18 points. She was followed by Douma with 10, Knobloch with nine, Otto with eight and Frankie Mohni with six. Mohni and Addy Sheeler each contributed two assists.

The Knights needed those second chance points because they were out-shot by HMS 39 percent to 35 percent. The Hawks were 17-of-44 from the field including 6-of-20 from long range. Unity connected on 23 of its 65 shot attempts. The Knights were 7-of-30 from three-point range and 9-of-14 at the free throw line. HMS helped its cause by going 11-for-13 at the charity stripe.
HMS 11 20 9 11 – 51
UC 25 15 15 7 – 62