Second-half spark ends Panther losing skid
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| Creston's Zaidy Frank (14) squeezes between Clarinda's Krista Rogers (left) and Abby Brown (41) for a loose ball near the baseline Friday. Frank had 11 points, seven rebounds and three steals in Creston's 40-33 victory. (CNA photo by LARRY PETERSON) |
A 10-4 third quarter turned the tide as the Creston girls rallied past visiting Clarinda here Friday, 40-33.
The loss snapped a nine-game losing streak for the Panthers, who improved to 1-5 in the Hawkeye 10 and 3-9 overall. Clarinda, which rebounded with a 45-33 win over Corning Saturday, stands 1-5 in league play and 3-6 overall.
The Panthers stayed close at halftime, trailing 18-17 as post players Zaidy Frank and Brianna Maitlen provided all the scoring with nine and eight points, respectively.
Then the Panther defense clamped down, allowing only 15 points in the second half, including the four-point third period when Creston shot in front, 27-22.
“When we were down two, Chelcee (Downing) hit a three at the top of the key,” coach Larry McNutt said. “We got three stops in a row and three baskets in a row. That was the run we needed. Points were hard to come by.”
Maitlen ended up leading the Panthers with 12 points and eight rebounds, and Frank finished with 11 points, seven rebounds and three steals.
“Zaidy was really active tonight,” McNutt said. “She showed a lot more spirit on the court than the last couple games. It was a big emphasis to get the ball inside against them.”
Frank, a spunky 5-3 junior who uses quickness and fakes to maneuver inside, said the team was determined to end a string of disappointing finishes.
“We were ready to play,” she said. “We came out determined, got the ball to the post and had some shots go in. We executed. We just clicked.”
The next step, Frank said, is to start a streak of a more positive nature. Atlantic, which fell to 0-4 in the league and 2-9 overall with a 42-26 loss to Denison-Schleswig Friday, hosts the Panthers Tuesday night.
“We need to go win there Tuesday,” McNutt said. “They stole one here.”
Also in the Hawkeye 10, Lewis Central moved into sole possession of first place with a 51-43 win over Harlan, which now matches Glenwood at 5-1 in the conference. LC is 5-0.
CLARINDA (33) — Jenny Bair 6 1-1 13, Ellie Shane 3 2-9 8, Jaedra Moses 2 0-0 4, Abby Brown 2 0-1 4, Paige Fast 1 0-1 2, Krista Rogers 1 0-0 2. Totals — 15 3-12 33. 3-point goals — None. Team fouls — 20. Fouled out — none.
CRESTON (40) — Brianna Maitlen 5 2-4 12, Zaidy Frank 4 3-8 11, Chelcee Downing 1 5-8 8, Natalie Mostek 3 1-2 7, Camryn Somers 1 0-0 2. Totals — 14 11-22 40. FG shooting — 14-47 (29.8 percent). 3-point goals — 1-10 (Downing 1). Rebounds — 32 (Maitlen 8, Frank 7, Somers 5, N. Mostek 5). Assists — 10 (N. Mostek 3, Maitlen 2). Steals — 5 (Frank 3). Turnovers — 18. Team fouls — 13. Fouled out — N. Mostek.
Clarinda — 13 18 22 33
Creston — 7 17 27 40
