No. 2 Turkey Valley girls down AGWSR, return to State

CLARKSVILLE - Stout team defense and good offensive play helped the Class 1A No. 2 Turkey Valley girls’ basketball team defeat AGWSR, 47-33, Monday in the Region 3 Final to earn its second straight trip to the State Tournament, which runs from Feb. 27 to March 4 at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.

Turkey Valley (21-2) will take on Janesville (24-0) in the first round of the Class 1A State Tournament at 1:30 p.m. Feb. 27. The winner will play either Exira-Elk Horn-Kimballton (23-1) or Sidney (23-1) in the semifinals at 11:45 a.m. March 2. The championship game will be at 6 p.m. March 3.

TV Co-Head Coach Dan Stepan said the Trojans deserved the win over AGWSR.

“The girls definitely earned their return trip to State,” Stepan said. “We played well enough  and that is all we need to do at this time of the year. What an accomplishment this is for the girls, coaches, and community. Making 14 of 14 from the free throw line sealed the deal for us.”

Monday’s game was close throughout until late in the fourth. The Trojans held a 10-4 lead at halftime and took a 15-11 edge at halftime. TV led 25-20 going into the fourth before going on a 22-13 run in the final eight minutes to clinch the win and earn a return trip to Des Moines.

Shelby Reicks paced the Trojans on offense with 20 points, including six of six from the free throw line. Morgen Kuennen tallied 12 points, including six of six from the charity stripe. 

Kayla Gebel had nine points, including one three-pointer. Elli Winter scored six points.

Score by quarters

TV    10   5   10   22 - 47

AG    4    7     9   13  - 33