A stingy defensive effort helped the Highland Huskies girls’ basketball team (15-7 overall) cruise into the quarterfinals of the Class 2A Region 6 basketball tournament. As heard on FM 106.1 and KCIIRadio.com, the Huskies welcomed the North Mahaska Warhawks (4-18 overall) to Highland High School for their postseason opener.

Three Huskies scored 14 or more points and Highland held the Warhawks to nine points in the entire second half in a 57-25 victory. Sophomore guard Kelsey Hora had a game-high 16 points, while seniors Chelsey Lampe and Katie Springer each contributed 14 points in the victory. After trading the lead six times in the first quarter, ending the first eight minutes with an 11-9 lead. Highland outscored North Mahaska 18-7 in the second quarter to take a 29-16 lead into halftime.

Warhawk senior Julia Groenenbom, who came into the game average 22.4 points per game, scored 13 points all in the first half in the setback. The effort was tied for the lowest point total scored this season by Groenenbom.

The victory sets up yet another regional contest with the Iowa City Regina Regals, the team who has ended the Huskies last three seasons. Highland head coach Jodi Fink says a key to ending their drought against the Regals is how well his team handles the Iowa City’s defense. “They put a lot of defensive pressure on and we are going to have to handle it and have to be strong with the basketball,” Fink said, “How we accept their pressure will be a big factor in the game. We also have to create pressure of our own.”

The victory improves Highland to 15-7 overall, as the Huskies finish the year 9-2 in games played at Highland High School this season. Highland’s quarterfinal clash with Iowa City Regina is scheduled for Tuesday at 7 p.m. Live play-by-play coverage from Iowa City Regina High School can be heard on FM 106.1 and KCIIRadio.com with the pregame show at 6:30 p.m.