Central Decatur get by SW Valley, 46-36

Joel Stevens
The Red Oak Express

Central Decatur gradually pulled away for a 46-36 victory over Southwest Valley in Pride of Iowa conference girls basketball in Leon Friday night.
The Timberwolves trailed 21-16 at the half and were within striking distance of the Cardinals for much of the game but couldn’t quite get over the hump.
 “We were competitive throughout this game but just never made that one scoring run that we needed to get the win tonight,” said Mike Cormack. “We played a solid game but just could not get the shots to fall that were made in our first two games. The effort was there and we will keep fighting in the games that are ahead of us.”
Hailey Randall had her third double digit scoring game of the week to lead the Timberwolves in scoring with 12 points. Lydia Forsythe made her season debut with a team leading eight rebounds and Ada Lund grabbed six steals and scored 11 points.
Soiyer Smith led four Cardinals in double-figures with 13 points.
Forsythe made her season debut with a team leading eight rebounds and Ada Lund grabbed six steals and scored 11 points.

Griswold 57,
Southwest Valley 53
Griswold came from behind to defeat Southwest Valley 57-53 in a back and forth non-conference girls basketball game in Villisca Thursday night.
The Timberwolves (1-1) led 47-34 heading into final quarter before the Tigers (1-1) rattled off a 23-6 run to rally for the win.
“This is a tough loss as we did many good things in this game but just came up short,” said Southwest Valley coach Mike Cormack. “Give Griswold credit for their strong finish. We had a fantastic third quarter with 27 points. We looked like the team I know we can be. We just have to do that for 32 minutes and not for a quarter. I know we can do that and have to end the game as strong as we play earlier in the game. We will get there.”
Mackenzie Fast had her best night as a Timberwolf with a double-double of 21 points and 12 rebounds.
Hailey Randall also had a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds. Ada Lund chipped in nine points.
Amanda Houser had a big night for Griswold with 31 points on 15-of-31 shooting. She also had 12 rebounds and two steals. Sadie Gohlinghorst had 15 points and six rebounds.

Southwest Valley 59,
East Union 39
The Southwest Valley girls basketball team opened it season with a Pride of Iowa Conference road victory over East Union 59-39 in Afton last Tuesday.
The Timberwolves led 21-6 after the first quarter and 35-10 at halftime. Taking the pressure off and substituting freely, the team led 47-21 after three and 59-39 at the end. As a team, Southwest Valley grabbed 37 rebounds and had 21 steals.
“I am pleased by our team effort tonight and very glad to start the year with a conference road win,” said Southwest Valley head coach Mike Cormack. “I believe strongly in my team and believe we will continue to grow throughout the season. This was a good opening game that we hope to build on.”
Hailey Randall led the way for the Timberwolves with 28 points, seven rebounds and seven steals.
Nine Timberwolves suited up and all played. Ada Lund had seven steals to go with five points and Mackenzie Fast added nine points, nine rebounds and 4 blocks.