Struggles from the foul line cost the Fort Calhoun High School girls basketball team Saturday during the Blizzard Battle tournament title game at Howells-Dodge.
The Class C1 No. 9 Pioneers made just nine of their 25 free throw attempts against the hometown Jaguars, falling 52-48. The loss ended an eight-game winning streak to start coach Eric Jones' tenure. His team is 8-1 overall.
The Pioneers were within striking distance throughout the fourth period, but didn't take advantage of their opportunities at the foul line. They went 7-for-17 during the quarter, missing several during the final minute as they attempted to overcome their deficit.
Calhoun guard Ella Bouwman scored the game's final points, finishing with 14 total. Raeann Massey, meanwhile, scored a game-high 17 points and Maelie Nelson had 11.
Howells-Dodge led 17-12 after one quarter and went 9-for-10 from the free throw line in the fourth to win. Jordyn Ratzlaff led the Blizzard Battle champs with 15 points overall.
Pioneers knock off Centura
Like on Saturday, the referees' whistles had plenty of use Friday.
Fort Calhoun, however, persevered during the first round of the Blizzard Battle against Centura. Ballhandling violations and foul trouble plagued the game in Howells, but the Pioneers pulled out the 44-38 victory, holding off the Centurions' attempt at a rally.
“Really, the fire and the energy,” post player Jovi Grenier said when asked for keys to the win.
Fort Calhoun jumped out to a 12-3 lead through the first 8 minutes an ultimately won by six points.
“We played all together,” Nelson added, continuing on. “We talked really well and the bench helped us so much.”
She led the Pioneers with 10 points, while Massey and Ansley Elofson both had nine. Grenier added seven points as did Bouwman. Ari Nelson scored a bucket, too.
Taya Taukiuvea, notably, led Centura with a game-high 11 points in defeat.
FCHS BASKETBALL LINE SCORES
Saturday
Howells-Dodge 52, No. 9 Fort Calhoun 48
FCHS (8-1) 12 12 11 13 — 48
H-D (6-4) 17 11 11 13 — 52
Scoring: FCHS — Raeann Massey 17, Ella Bouwman 14, Maelie Nelson 11, Dehlia Hallberg 2, Jovi Grenier 2, Ansley Elofson 2.
H-D — Jordyn Ratzlaff 15, Jade Bayer 11, Kendadie Throener 10, Kylie Brichacek 8, Peyten Becker 6, Audrey Brabec 2.
Friday
No. 9 Fort Calhoun 44, Centura 38
FCHS (8-0) 12 10 15 7 — 44
CHS (3-5) 3 11 13 11 — 38
Scoring: FCHS — Maelie Nelson 10, Massey 9, Elofson 9, Grenier 7, Bouwman 7, Ari Nelson 2.
CHS — Taya Taukiuvea 11, Kennidy Davis 10, Kassidy Hurt 8, Hope McDonald 6, Jenna Fanta 2, Claire Knuth 1.
