Metro Sports Report

Healthy Rath sparks No.1 Eagles

Addison Rath was a little tired, but very happy.

She had just played five straight minutes at full speed for the Kirkwood Eagles Friday night before taking a well-deserved breather, having scored eight quick points to help spark the top-ranked Eagles after they got off to a slow start.

Kirkwood proceeded to whip McHenry County, 69-39, in the opening round of the Kirkwood Classic at Johnson Hall.

Rath had major knee surgery last December after playing only two games for Kirkwood and faced a grueling road to recovery.

"It's probably the most physically and mentally challenging thing I've ever had to go through," she remarked.

The Eagles were clinging to 15-12 lead when Rath went to work. She scored three straight baskets in three minutes to make it 21-12, then made a layup two minutes later before taking a rest, having gone 4-for-4 in a little more than five minutes.

Thedford leads No. 9 Eagles by Marshalltown

MARSHALLTOWN - Devonte Thedford enjoyed a big game Wednesday night as  the ninth-ranked Kirkwood Eagles topped Marshalltown, 79-71, in a  non-conference game in Marshalltown.

Thedford finished with 19 points, six rebounds as six assists as the  Eagles raised their record to 4-2.

DJ Purnell continued his string of productive games for Kirkwood with  17 points and seven rebounds, hitting 7 of 11 shots from the field.  Luke Appel, who prepped at Marshalltown High School, returned home  with 15 points and seven rebounds. Seybian Sims had nine points and  eight rebounds.

Jaqwell Wilson poured in 25 points for Marshalltown (1-5).

Mount Mercy stung by Bees

DAVENPORT - The Mount Mercy men's basketball team suffered its first  loss of the season Wednesday night with an 80-65 setback to St.  Ambrose in Davenport.

The Mustangs, normally a good-shooting team, were only 5 for 27 on  3-pointers for 18.5 percent from distance.

RoyShawn Webb hit 8 of 11 shots from the field and led Mount Mercy  (3-1) with 19 points. Keishun Thomas scored 10 points and Davion  Watson grabbed 12 rebounds.

Isaiah Harvey scored 19 points for St. Ambrose (4-1).

Mustangs spiked by Grand View

DES MOINES - The Mount Mercy women's volleyball team was swept by  11th-ranked Grand View, 25-23, 25-21, 25-12, in the semifinals of the  Heart of America Conference tournament in Des Moines Wednesday night.

The Mustangs finished the season with a 21-12 record.

Grand View (28-9) will meet Central Methodist (29-3) in the conference  championship match Saturday.