Photo Courtesy of Mid-Prairie CSD Social Media

The No. 12 Mid-Prairie Golden Hawk girls basketball team opened the postseason Saturday with a 53-35 win over Albia in Wellman. The visitors had a fast start, leading 11-5 after one quarter, forcing 11 Mid-Prairie turnovers in the opening frame. The Golden Hawks got back on track in the second period, outscoring the Lady Dees 23-10 to take a 28-21 lead into half. The Hawks clamped down in the third quarter, scoring 14 straight out of halftime, not allowing an Albia field goal in the frame, going on an 18-2 run in total to lead 46-23 going to the fourth. Following the contest, Mid-Prairie head coach Jenny Hobbs talked with KCII Sports about her team settling in and finishing the win. “(The first quarter), looked more like us early season or mid-season, where it always took us a little bit to get going. We just had to have patience, work through it. We did. I sweated a little bit more than I anticipated. Our kids came through, they responded, and that’s what they have done all season long. Our kids decided that they were going to take ownership of this game. Having a different kid step up every night, is really important. Brooklyn (Schneider) had been struggling a little bit shooting threes. It’s good to see her get going tonight. I’m so proud of the kids stepping up. Everybody contributed. I’m really proud of the kids off the bench. I thought Olivia (Swartzentruber) came in and had excellent minutes. Myli (Hershberger) and Harper (Pacha) too. Of course Jeorgia (Evans), the best sixth man in the state. When you go in as a sub, you have to be the energy!”

The Hawks shot 38% and made nine threes, pulling in 36 rebounds with 15 assists and 13 steals. Brooklyn Schneider led Mid-Prairie with 15 points, including four threes, Tessa Bombei had 13 points and seven rebounds, Katelyn Harland had seven assists. Albia finishes their season at 11-10. Mid-Prairie is 17-5 and advances to the 3A Regional Semifinals Wednesday against Pella Christian in Wellman.