Sibley, Iowa — After the two teams had split the regular season series Rock Valley won the rubber game in the Region quarterfinals 54-53 over Sibley Ocheyedan.
The Rockets are on to the semis where they will meet Pocahontas who downed North Union 42-40 in the other lower bracket quarterfinal of 2A Region 7. A site change has moved that game to the Sioux Central High School Gym in Sioux Rapids.
The game featured numerous twists and turns along the way with multiple lead changes and came down to the very end. A late 5 point burst by Bria Wasmund tied the score at 53-53. On the Rockets next possession Madi Strubbe who had sat out much of the game with foul trouble went to the line to shoot two with :15 seconds left. She made one-of-two for her only points of the game and it turned out to be the game winner. The Generals were able to get a couple of shots off as time ran out but the lone free throw held up and Rock Valley had the win 54-53.
At the end of the first quarter Rock Valley led 12-11 and as time wound down at the half Tia Vant’Hul hit a three that pushed the lead to 27-22. By the end of the third quarter Sibley Ocheyedan had tied to at 39. The two teams continued to go back and forth in the final 8 minutes with Rock Valley absorbing the loss of Lexi Van Kekerix who fouled out with 22 points at the 2:03 mark.
Van Kekerix and Abby Heemstra tied for game high honors. Heemstra had been held to 6 points at halftime. Wasmund scored all 16 of her points in the second half. Shed was joined in double figures by Ariana Noonkester who had a 13 point night including a trio of three point baskets in the first half.
With the win Rock Valley is on to the Region semifinals Friday night with a 14-9 record. The Generals finish at 16-6 and the #11 ranking in the final 2A poll
