Thu - 09 Feb
Written by Jim Ecker
LISBON - The six members of the Cedar Valley Christian girls basketball team, all smiles, posed for pictures Thursday night like they accomplished something special this season.
They were absolutely right.
The Huskies defied steep odds and won four ballgames during their maiden year as members of the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union, establishing the foundation for better days ahead.
"They more than exceeded my expectations," said Coach Craig Foote. "I'm just extremely proud of them. They've been fun to work with. I'm proud of their character."
Lisbon defeated Cedar Valley Christian, 63-37, in the opening round of the Class 1A regional tournament Thursday, leaving the Huskies with a 4-and-18 record for the campaign. The Huskies were beaten, but not dismayed.
Cedar Valley began the season with only five girls, the bare minimum needed for a ballgame. Taylor Fields, the team's manager, wore a uniform in case of emergencies in November and December to help keep the team afloat. A serious injury or lingering illness could have ended their season at any point.
Freshman Shelby Hembera, the team's top player, said her goal at the beginning of the year was to win a game this season. That was it. Win one game.
The roster swelled to six players when Ellen Rodriguez began competing in January. The Huskies picked up steam and began winning a few games and gaining confidence.
"It was really hard at times, but I think we pulled through it," said Hembera. "We won four games. That's really impressive, in my opinion."
The Huskies kept improving and kept trying. They lost to Lisbon in the final game of the regular season Tuesday night, 63-28, then played Lisbon again two days later in the regional tournament and closed the gap to 63-37, getting nine points closer.
"I think that we gave it our all," said freshman Izzy Hoffman. "We played to the final buzzer of every game, and that's all you can really ask for from us."
Cedar Valley had about 60 fans at the game Thursday night at Lisbon, which computes to about 10 fans per player. "Just knowing they're supporting all six of us, it means a lot," said Hembera.
Hembera led the Huskies with 16 points. Rodriguez scored 10 points, Hoffman scored seven and Lindsey Cach had four points.
Cedar Valley committed turnovers on its first three possessions and trailed 10-0 before Hembera made a shot midway through the opening period. The Huskies trailed 35-13 at halftime and ended the game with more than 20 turnovers, but Foote kept coaching - and the girls kept playing - like they had a chance to win.
There were a few tears when it ended, then big smiles a few minutes later for the cameras. Their historic season is over, and the Huskies are proud of what they accomplished.
"It was really fun," said Hembera, "and I'm really going to miss it."
Melissa Alger, a strong post player, and Zeva Light, a good outside shooter, led Lisbon (13-10) with 19 points apiece. The Lions will face Iowa Mennonite in the next round of the tournament on Tuesday at Lisbon.
CEDAR VALLEY (37): Hembera 5 6-7 16, Wood 0 0-0 0, Silver 0 0-0 0, Hoffman 3 1-2 7, Cach 2 0-0 4, Rodriguez 3 4-8 10. Totals 13 11-17 37.
LISBON (63): Z. Light 8 0-0 19, D. Heiken 0 0-0 0, A. Heiken 2 0-0 4, Frey 2 0-0 4, Felderman 0 0-0 0, K. Light 3 1-2 7, Givens 1 0-2 2, Moore 0 0-0 0, Dixon 1 0-1 2, Ellsworth 0 0-0 0, Moothart 0 2-2 2, Smith 2 0-0 4, Hendricks 0 0-0 0, Alger 9 1-2 19, E. Light 0 0-0 0. Totals 28 4-9 63.
Halftime - Lisbon 35, Cedar Valley 13. 3-point goals - Cedar Valley none, Lisbon 3 (Z. Light 3).
