GIRLS BASKETBALL

By Pete Temple, Sports Editor

Maquoketa Valley jumped out to an early 15-6 lead, led by as many as 16 points, and fought off a pair of challenges by third-ranked IKM of Manning to open the State Class 2A Girls Basketball Tournament with a victory.

Brooke Wooten scored 19 points and grabbed nine rebounds, Renee Huber had 17 points, and Heidi Hoeger added 11 as the Wildcats scored a 65-57 win over IKM Tuesday, Feb. 26 at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.

The Wildcats led by six points at halftime, 31-25, but opened up a 47-31 lead by the end of the third quarter and held on for the win.

Free throw shooting was a huge factor in the game for the Wildcats, who make 34 of 45 attempts (75.6 percent).

MV will play second-ranked Lawton-Bronson in the state semifinals Thursday, Feb. 28 at 1:30 p.m.

PHOTO: Brooke Wooten brings the ball in for Maquoketa Valley during its state quarterfinal win over IKM of Manning Feb. 26 in Des Moines. (Photo by Pete Temple)