Virginia Johnson knocked down 11 field goals and two free throws for 24 points to lead Iowa City High to a 57-42 Victory over Prairie in a Mississippi Valley Conference girls basketball game Friday night in the Hawks gym.

Prairie was at a serious height disadvantage and it made a significant difference in the outcome of the game.  The 6-foot-1 Johnson got her 24, 6-2 Sierra Chambers added 11 and 5-11 Kayla Hyche, contributed nine. They accounted for 44 of City High’s points.

Prairie (4-14, 3-10 MVC) countered with hard work and hustle to make the game a competitive battle. Prairie played aggressive defense, using a variety of strategies. The changing defenses kept City High (9-4 14-4) a little off balance, but Johnson always had the answer. 

“We just have to be aggressive inside and double (team) Johnson every time because she’s really a good player,” said Prairie's Katie Carver, who was the Hawks' primary defender inside.  “I guess you could get frustrated, but that’s just how it is, everybody has tall players.”

Alisa Wieland led Prairie with 10 points and Madison Dellamuth had nine.  Prairie ran their offense and executed, but could not get much going in the paint. 

“Our answer to their size was our effort and I thought we worked very hard, stayed engaged throughout the game, and I was pleased with our effort,” said Prairie Coach Steve Doser.  “If we continue to show this kind of engagement we will continue to improve and will become a solid team.”

Prairie is at Dubuque Wahlert on Tuesday and closes out the regular season next Friday hosting Xavier. 

IOWA CITY HIGH (57): Washpun 1 0-0 2, Hansche 1 2-2 5, Coleman 0 0-0 0, Johnson 11 2-3 24, Hyche 3 0-0 9, Chanber 5 1-2 11, Danielson 0 0-2 0, Beasley 2 0-0 4, Lorenzen 1 0-0 2. Totals 25 5-9 57.

PRAIRIE (42): Yanecek 0 0-0 0 Carver 3 1-2 7, Crist 3 0-0 6, A. Weiland 4 0-0 10, K.Wieland 0 0-0 0, McCrary 3 0-0 6, Blaha 2 0-1 4, Dellamuth 4 0-0 9, Hutchins 1 2-2 4. Totals 19 1-3 42.

Halftime — City High 17 Prairie 17. 3-point goals — City High 4 (Hyche 3, Hansche), Prairie 3 (A.Weiland 2, Dellamuth). Fouled out -- None