PORTAGE — The Cheesemakers earned their first victory of the season Jan. 29, toppling Portage in a road game 50-44.
But it didn’t come easy. In fact, the game started as so many others have throughout the season. Portage (3-16, 0-11 Badger West) jumped out a 23-9 lead just 11 minutes into the game.
“The girls played a great game and responded well after a rough start,” said second-year head coach Patrick Kenny. “They didn’t fold and battled all game long. I thought we moved the ball much better.”
By halftime, Portage’s lead had been trimmed to 30-24. In all, over the final 25 minutes of the contest, Monroe (1-15, 1-10) outscored their hosts 41-21.
“Our defense certainly played well in the second half, limiting Portage’s opportunities. It was a collective effort by the girls and we’re proud,” Kenny said.
Sloane Ambrose, a Monroe senior, led her team with 17 points, which included 14 points in the second half and a 5-for-6 run at the free throw line down the stretch.
“Sloane Ambrose had a fantastic game and kept coming up with big plays when we needed them in the second half,” Kenny said.
Freshman Sophie Golembiewski had 11 of her 12 points in the first half, and junior guard Taylor Jacobson finished with nine points, including a 5-for-6 effort from the charity stripe.
“Golembiewski stepped up and played well, and Taylor facilitated our offense nicely,” Kenny said.
Up next, the Cheesemakers were set to host three straight home games: Clinton on Feb. 1, followed by Oregon (Feb. 3) and Evansville (Feb. 5).
Brodhead 64, McFarland 56
MCFARLAND — The Cardinals solidified their Rock Valley supremacy this season with an emphatic win against the Spartans Jan. 28.
Brodhead (17-2, 13-0 RVC) led 28-22 at halftime, and outpaced McFarland (12-6, 8-5) in the second half. Teagan Mallegni, Wisconsin’s No. 1 scorer this season averaging more than 28 points per game for McFarland, was held to 24 points. Meanwhile, Cardinals star forward Abbie Dix dominated in the post, scoring 27 points. Onnikah Oliver and Kiarra Moe each scored 10 points for the Cardinals.
The seventh-ranked Cardinals host Big Foot (5-13, 2-11) on Feb. 3, followed by a road game at East Troy (3-13, 3-10) Feb. 8.
Black Hawk 48, Monticello 28
MONTICELLO — The Warriors jumped out to an 11-point halftime lead and didn’t let up in the second half of their Jan. 28 win over the Ponies.
“We played very well most of the first half — keeping it to a 5-point spread. They got up eight and then hit a 3 at the buzzer,” said Lori Brokopp, Monticello coach. “Our shooting went cold in the second half.”
Tara Wellnitz had 21 points, seven rebounds and six assists for Black Hawk. Teammate Tatum Baumgartner finished with 14 points.
Ellie Gustafson finished the night with 15 points and 14 rebounds to lead Monticello. Dalana Trumpy added eight points.
Argyle 73, Juda 21
JUDA — Three Orioles combined for 51 points as Argyle rolled the Panthers Jan. 28.
Maggie Godfrey led the way with 18 points, while Alyssa Stadola had 17 and Grace Ganshert 16. Argyle hit nine 3-pointers, while Juda made just eight shots all game.
Anna Skoumal led the Panthers with 11 points.
Argyle led 37-13 at halftime.
In other area basketball action, Darlington won back-to-back nights Jan. 27-28, beating Riverdale 67-44 the first game and Fennimore 45-24 just 24 hours later. Also on Jan. 29, Albany routed Pecatonica 70-37, while Belleville edged rival New Glarus 64-61.
