BRODHEAD — Sophomore Heidi Olson scored 26 points and Albany-Monticello made 20 of 28 free throws to overtake the Brodhead Cardinals 59-47 in nonconference girls basketball on Monday, Feb. 2.
In the first half, Brodhead had an eight point lead at 24-16 when junior Chesney Walker made a three-point basket with 6:15 remaining in the first half. AM countered with a three from senior Molly Olson, and two free throws by Heidi Olson. Freshman Ella Olson of Brodhead scored on a lob pass under the basket and was fouled and completed a three-point play to make the score 27-21. Heidi Olson banked in a three and followed with another three in the final 1:12 of the first half to tie the game 27-27 at halftime.
The second half belonged to the Space Stallions. Freshman Emersen Butts scored a basket, Heidi Olson converted a three-point play, freshman Annie Olson got a basket, and sophomore Emma Thompson scored on a putback to open a 40-31 lead for AM with 12:25 left. Meanwhile, Brodhead was held to just seven points over the first 12 minutes of the second half. Senior Allie Dahl made four free throws and Ella Olson was good on two free throws to pull the Cardinals to within eight points at 48-40. But, the coach of the Cardinals, Brian Kammerer, picked up a technical foul with 1:37 to go and Heidi Olson made four free throws to give AM some breathing room at 52-40.
Besides Heidi Olson, Annie Olson posted double figures in scoring for AM with 11 points. Dahl led the Cardinals in scoring with 16 points and Ella Olson had nine.
Albany-Monticello coach Derik Doescher said defense and getting to the free throw line gave the Space Stallions the edge.
“I’m proud of our defense. Obviously, Allie Dahl is a heck of a player. For the most part, I thought we did a great job of getting over screens, making sure she didn’t have any easy looks, and our defense really won the game, there’s no doubt about that,” said Doescher.
Brodhead coach Brian Kammerer really liked how his team competed against Albany-Monticello.
“I can’t give our kids enough credit for what they did tonight and the energy they brought and how hard they worked against one of the best teams in the state. Hopefully we’ll see each other again down the road,” said Kammerer.
It’s possible for these two teams to meet in the post-season as Albany-Monticello is playing in Division 4 this season and both teams have been placed in the same sectional.
Albany-Monticello (19-1, 9-1 Six Rivers East) had a conference game scheduled on Thursday, Feb. 5 against Black Hawk at Albany. Brodhead (15-4, 8-2 RVC-Rock) had first place Edgerton on their schedule at home on Thursday, Feb. 5. Brodhead is one game behind Edgerton in the win column in the Rock Valley-Rock.
