Hampshire notches 20th win
When Hampshire's full-court pressure is running at peak efficiency, fueling the fastbreak, the Whip-Purs are tough to stop.
The Whips were hitting on all cylinders in the first half against Byron Thursday, then settled in for a workmanlike 45-30 Big Northern crossover girls basketball victory in Byron.
Chrissy Heine had 12 points and 7 rebounds to lead Hampshire, which won its 20th of the season against 4 losses. Cassie Dumoulin added 10 points and 6 boards, and Christine Schumacher scored 9 points, all on 3-pointers.
The Whips, who can clinch the outright BNC-East title Fridday night at home against North Boone, came out on fire, scoring the first 11 points and leading 18-4 after one quarter. Hampshire increased the lead to 30-13 by the break. The Whips' methodical pressure forced 15 first-half turnovers.
After intermission, the Whip-Purs settled into a halfcourt game. For their part, the Tigers ratcheted up their defense. They forced 13 second-half turnovers, but were never able to seriously threaten the Whip-Purs' lead.
"I thought we looked quick, I thought we looked efficient," said Hampshire coach Sue Ellett. "We came out in the second half and we were trying to work on a couple of things that got us a little sluggish. And the turnover bug bit us a little bit, but pretty good defense tonight and a great first-half effort. I liked it."
A 3-pointer by Emily Lehne started a 7-0 Byron run that made it 34-20 late in the third quarter. The Tigers got within 13 points twice in the final period, but could get no closer. Heine made 4 of 6 free throws down the stretch to keep Hampshire safely ahead.
The Whips dominated on the glass, outrebounding the Tigers 27-11.
Meghan Fitts was the only consistent offensive threat for Byron (7-18). She scored the Tigers' first 8 points and finished with 12 as the only Tiger in double figures.
Alex Dumoulin and Kelsey Watson scored 6 points apiece for Hampshire.