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HARTINGTON — After a slow start to the season, the Cedar Catholic girls have now won three straight games to even their season record at 6-6.
Cedar Catholic’s girls didn’t just win Friday night — they sent a message.
In what turned into one of the Trojans’ biggest wins of the season, Cedar Catholic knocked off Mid-State Conference rival Pierce 43-39, rallying after a slow start and finishing strong to pull off an upset over the favored Bluejays.
Pierce controlled early momentum and jumped out to a 12-5 lead after the first quarter, forcing Cedar to play from behind. But the Trojans didn’t panic.
Cedar Catholic’s defense tightened up in the second quarter, holding Pierce to eight points while the Trojans started to find rhythm offensively. Cedar trailed 20-15 at halftime, but the game’s momentum was clearly beginning to shift.
That shift became obvious in the third quarter.
Cedar Catholic outscored Pierce 13-8 to pull even and then grab the lead heading to the final period. The Trojans followed it up with their best quarter of the night, scoring 15 points in the fourth while Pierce managed 11 — just enough to seal the upset and set off a celebration on the Cedar Catholic bench.
Anisten Wortmann powered the Trojans with a game-high 19 points, consistently attacking the lane and creating scoring chances when Cedar needed them most. Savannah Pick gave Cedar a second strong scoring option with 15 points, helping Cedar Catholic keep pressure on Pierce throughout the second half.
Addison Walter added six points, while Camryn Loecker scored three.
Cedar Catholic also got it done on the glass, led by Walter with seven rebounds. Wortmann hauled down six rebounds and Loecker grabbed five. Savannah Pick pulled down three, while Brynn Bernecker and Madison Eickhoff each had two rebounds.
The Trojans also created extra possessions with aggressive defense. Wortmann led Cedar with three steals, and Bernecker came up with two. Pick and Walter each had one steal.
Cedar Catholic moved the ball well in key moments, getting assists from multiple players. Loecker and Bernecker each had two assists, while Pick, Autumn Kathol and Walter each had one.
Pierce 12 8 8 11—39 Cedar Catholic 5 10 13 15—43
Wynot travelled to Hartington to do battle with the Cedar girls Tuesday night.
The Lady Blue Devils got into a deep hole early, battled back in the second half to make it close before falling 62-54 to Cedar.
Cedar Catholic had a balanced attack led by Addison Walters with 19 points. Savannah Pick and Aniston Wortman each connected for 13 points for the Lady Trojans.
Wynot was led by Kenna Oligmueller who took top scoring honors with her 22 points. Addison Sharpe hit a pair of threes on her way to 12 points for the Lady Blue Devils as well.
