Kennedy stepped up its defensive play and kept its record clean, beating host Linn-Mar 49-31 Tuesday night in a non-conference matchup of Mississippi Valley Conference girls basketball  foes.

Linn-Mar (2-3) led 12-9 at the end of the first quarter, but an aggressive Kennedy defense only allowed one point in the second quarter and only 18 more points in the second half.

“Defensively we seemed to find our niche tonight,” said Kennedy Coach Tony Vis.  “We look like we are building a belief that we can be successful and, as a first year coach, it’s important for us to be 4-0 early in the season.”

Jordan Holmes took control for the Class 5A No. 9 Cougars.  She directed the offense and scored 16 points, including all three of Kennedy’s 3-point baskets. Stephanie Botkin was also in double figures with 11.

“As soon as I come off of that high pick, I look for the 3-pointer and if I have my rhythm, I like my chances,” said Holmes.  “I practice 3-point shots a lot and my teammates really help set up my opportunities.”

Kennedy’s defense took away most of the Linn-Mar opportunities for points in the paint, with the exception of a number of second and third chance shots. But those just wouldn’t fall for the Lions.

“We have been a bit sluggish rebounding so far this season and in the second half of the third quarter they just got too many rebounds as we began to break down,” explained Coach Vis.

“We seemed to have some second and third chances off the offensive boards, but we just couldn’t put anything in the hole,” said Linn-Mar Coach Michael Brandt.  “We need better focus and we have to take better care of the ball.  Give Kennedy credit, they played a good game.”

Mykaela Brandt led Linn-Mar with 15 points. Kristen Eiles had eight.  Only four Lions scored.

“We move the ball around on offense, and tonight I seemed to have the opportunities," explained Brandt.  “As a team we just didn’t seem real connected tonight.”

In an oddity, both teams coaches had their daughters starting at point guard for their respective teams; Brandt for Linn-Mar and Brianna Vis for the Cougars.

Linn-Mar travels to Jefferson to take on the J-Hawks Friday while Kennedy hosts Waterloo West.

KENNEDY (49): Madi Meier 1 6-9 8, Madison DeLong 0 1-2 1, Jordan Holmes 6 1-2 16, Brianna Vis 0 2-2 2, Taylor Wagner 2 0-2 4, Mariah Vis 0 1-2 1, Brinley Milbrath 0 0-0 0, Paige Hendrickson 2 0-0 4, Stephanie Botkin 3 5-5 11, Sarah Zinser 1 0-0 2. Totals 15 16-24 49.

LINN-MAR (31): Taylor Robertson 0 0-0 0, Hannah Yearling 1 1-4 3, Mykaela Brandt 5 2-3 15, Michal Christopher 0 0-0 0, Sara Staruel 1 3-4 5, Jenna Harms 0 0-0 0, Aryn Jones 0 0-0 0, Kristen Eiles 2 3-4 8, Courtney Major 0 0-0 0, Alexis Libenguth 0 0-0 0. Totals 9 9-15 31.

Halftime - Kennedy 19, Linn-Mar 13. 3-point goals - Kennedy 3 (Holmes 3), Linn-Mar 4 (Brandt 3, Eiles). Team fouls - Kennedy 12, Linn-Mar 20. Fouled out - None.