Lynnville-Sully Girls Surge in Second Half to Defeat North Mahaska

SULLY — In a highly competitive girls basketball matchup, the Lynnville-Sully Hawks overcame a sluggish start to defeat the North Mahaska Warhawks 44-30 on March 15, 2024. After trailing early in the game, the Hawks executed a powerful second quarter that shifted the momentum in their favor, leading to a crucial victory in the South Iowa Cedar League.

North Mahaska established an early lead, scoring 10 of the first 14 points in the game, with standout performances from Addisen Falb and Carly Lake. The Warhawks closed the first quarter with a 14-9 advantage, but Lynnville-Sully responded decisively. Senior guard Kate Harthoorn emphasized the importance of this win, stating, “These are big games. We’ll see competitive teams like this down the road, too, so it helps us get ready for tournament-time games.”

Harthoorn’s sentiments echoed the atmosphere within the packed gymnasium, which was electric as fans turned out for a game that could impact the league championship. Despite North Mahaska’s historical edge in the rivalry, with a 13-2 record since December 2019, Lynnville-Sully has now split the last four meetings.

Lynnville-Sully head coach Jerry Hulsing motivated his team throughout the week leading up to the game, promising an exciting experience. “Before the game, I challenged them to have more fun than me because I knew I would have a blast coaching this one,” he reflected after the match.

The Hawks’ slow start was evident as they struggled to keep pace initially, but the tide began to turn in the second quarter. After North Mahaska scored to extend its lead, Lynnville-Sully ignited a remarkable 13-0 run. This surge began with a drive to the basket by Tatum Huyser, followed by a key jumper from Harthoorn that narrowed the gap.

Harthoorn’s contributions were vital, particularly as she scored 10 of her 15 points in the second half, including seven during the critical fourth quarter. Her performance helped solidify the Hawks’ lead, which reached double digits late in the game.

“The intensity of the game brought out the best in us,” said junior guard Breah Lowry, who led the Hawks with 15 points, three rebounds, and eight steals. Lowry’s ability to generate turnovers and convert them into scoring opportunities was instrumental in securing the win.

As the game progressed, the Hawks built a comfortable margin, highlighted by Harthoorn’s three-pointer that pushed the lead to nine points, followed by Huyser’s reverse layup. Harthoorn capped off the victory with four free throws in the final minute, showcasing her poise under pressure.

The Hawks now boast a perfect conference record of 6-0. Their shooting statistics reflected a solid performance, with a 35 percent success rate from the floor, including five three-pointers. Despite committing 17 turnovers, they capitalized on North Mahaska’s 22 turnovers, mitigating their own mistakes.

North Mahaska, now 3-3 overall and 3-2 in conference play, faced challenges with their shooting, managing only 24.5 percent from the field. Linder, a formidable presence for the Warhawks, recorded 15 rebounds, while Lake led her team with 14 points. Coach Hulsing acknowledged the challenge posed by North Mahaska’s size, noting that the Hawks needed to rely on their guard play to succeed.

Looking ahead, both teams aim to improve as they continue their seasons. Lynnville-Sully’s ability to adapt and thrive in high-pressure situations positions them well for the upcoming tournament season, while North Mahaska, despite their recent loss, remains a competitive force in the league.