Long-range woes hinder ELC vs. No. 1 Newell-Fonda

NEWELL — The Class 3A No. 4 Estherville Lincoln Central girls were looking to accomplish a rare feat of defeating Class 1A No. 1 Newell-Fonda twice in the same season on Thursday, Jan. 13.

While it was a two-point game early in the fourth, the shots stopped falling for ELC and the Mustangs pulled away for a 59-48 victory.

ELC started well, scoring the last two baskets of the first quarter to lead 13-9.

The Midgets’ shooting woes began in the second period as Newell-Fonda went on a 17-0 run. ELC finished with just seven points in the period and the Mustangs led 31-20 at halftime.

ELC stepped up both its offense and defense in the third quarter and it paid dividends, as ELC finished the period on an 8-0 run to cut the deficit to four, 42-38.

Jaydan Nitchals hit the first basket of the fourth quarter to cut the lead to two 42-40. ELC couldn’t get any closer, as Newell-Fonda matched ELC basket for basket until scoring late to put the game away.

ELC shot 32 percent (15-of-47) for the game, but made just 1-of-21 shots from 3-point range.

Newell-Fonda was more efficient converting 18-of-38 shots from the field including 5-of-14 from 3-point range. The teams were nearly even on free throws. ELC made 17-of-24 while the Mustangs made 18-of-25.

Haylee Stokes led ELC with 22 points while Nitchals finished with 13 points and eight rebounds.

Macy Sievers led Newell-Fonda with 25 points, as she made 7-of-10 shots from the field including 2-of-2 from 3-point range. She also made 9-of-10 free throws.

Newell-Fonda 59, ELC 48

ELC (48) – Kaitlyn Tendal 3 2-2 8; Jordyn Stokes 1 1-2 3; Jasey Anderson 0 0-0 0; Haylee Stokes 6 10-12 22; Jaydan Nitchals 4 4-6 13; Brei Christoffer 0 0-0 0; Rylee Yager 1 0-2 2; Hillary Ruschy 0 0-0 0. Totals – 15 17-24 48.

Halftime Score: Newell-Fonda 31, ELC 20. 3-pointers – 1 (Nitchals). Rebounds – 24 (Nitchals 8). Assists – 2 (Tendal, Anderson). Steals – 8 (H. Stokes 2, Nitchals 2, Christoffer 2). Blocks – 3 (H. Stokes, Nitchals, Christoffer). Turnovers – 13. Fouls – 21. Fouled out – none.