In a Big 7 League rematch from December 18th, the Jeff West girls avenged one of their tight losses while winning for the sixth time in seven games.  The Royal Valley boys shot lights out and completed a season sweep while winning for the fourth time in five games.  

GIRLS = Jeff West 39, Royal Valley 31

With the game tied at nine at the end of the first quarter, Jeff West started the second stanza with an 8-0 run to take control and never give up the lead.  Royal Valley struggled shooting the basketball, especially from the outside, and trailed 19-15 at halftime and 28-21 entering the fourth quarter before two baskets that pulled them within 28-25 early in the final frame.  Jeff West answered and finished the game by making five of seven from the line to secure the win.

Zoe Holthaus scored the first five points of the game for Jeff West and finished with 10 as did Aailiyhah Negonsott as the Tigers improved to 13-3 overall and 7-3 in the Big 7.  Kiikto Thomas and Mary Broxterman each posted 11 points for Royal Valley who fell to 11-4 overall and 7-4 in League play.    

BOYS = Royal Valley 72, Jeff West 46

The Royal Valley boys made eight three-pointers in the first three quarters and forced a running clock in the fourth frame with a 70-39 advantage.  The Panthers outscored Jeff West in every quarter including 19-10 in the first and 23-9 in the third.  Two freshman, Mason Thomas and Nachs Wahwassuck each posted 18 points and Thomas hit four treys, while Pak Hale had three treys and scored 8 of his 15 points in the first quarter.  Royal Valley has won five of their last seven and is now 7-8 overall and 5-6 in the Big 7. 

Jeff West played again without senior Zeth Unruh, but used all 10 varsity guys that suited up and struggled to get much going offensively, while allowing several transition points to the Panthers.  Bryce Clements scored 13 and Josh Broxterman had 10 in the Tigers sixth consecutive loss which leaves them at 8-8 on the year and 5-5 in the League.  

Citizens State Bank and Trust Company of Hiawatha "Players to Bank On:"

Zoe Holthaus of Jeff West and Nachs Wahwassuck and Mason Thomas from Royal Valley.