March 28, 2024

Gilbert’s fast start too much for CMB

BAXTER — Down 27-13 at the half, the Collins-Maxwell/Baxter girls’ basketball team could have folded its tent and went home Tuesday night against Gilbert.

The Raiders though, decided to fight and claw their way back into their home opener, and it took a brilliant fourth quarter effort by Paige Hoiberg to eventually put CMB away for good.

Hoiberg scored 10 of her 17 points in the fourth quarter and was 8-of-9 from the line in the game and Gilbert held off host CMB 48-46 in the Heart of Iowa Athletic Conference opener here.

Lexi Breon hit five 3-pointers for all 15 of her points and also grabbed eight rebounds, while Brianda Bane scored 10 points and pulled down eight boards despite missing most of the second quarter with foul troubles and fouling out in the final period with the game knotted at 36.

“The second half was a good shot in the arm for us,” said CMB coach Jamie Zabel. “We gave them too many offensive rebounds and second-chance points in the first half and then Hoiberg just kind of took over in the fourth. I was proud that was rallied though. That was good to see.”

Gilbert led 15-7 after one and then outscored CMB 12-6 in the second.

The Raiders (0-2, 0-1) got back into the game with a 14-4 advantage in the third but couldn’t get over the hump in the fourth.

“We didn’t box them out too well in the first but made the adjustment in the second half and were able to get their post players in foul trouble,” said Zabel. “Hoiberg was just too good in the fourth unfortunately.”

Elise Powers had nine points for Gilbert in the win. The Tigers were just 16-of-48 from the floor.

Bridget Hurley scored six points and grabbed 11 boards in the win.

Mikayla Eslinger chipped in six points and six rebounds, while Carter Larson scored nine points as well.

The Raiders will not play again until they head to Class 3A No. 7 Nevada on Tuesday. Gilbert (1-1, 1-0) will host North Polk.