Baxter girls win eighth straight, Bolts sweep Saydel

DES MOINES — A career-night from Merrin Ziesman and a huge second quarter propelled Baxter’s girls’ basketball team to a 72-42 road win over Saydel on Monday night.

The Bolts led by three after one but a 27-6 second frame put the game away for good. Baxter outscored the Eagles by six in the second half.

Ziesman put in a career-high 23 points and grabbed a pair of rebounds to lead the Bolts, who have won eight straight games. Ziesman was 7-of-12 from the floor and 9-of-10 from the free-throw line.

The Bolts (8-1) shot 45 percent from the floor despite only hitting 2-of-10 from long range. They were 16-of-24 from the line. Saydel dropped to 1-3 after the loss.

Elie Tuhn chipped in 17 points, four assists and seven steals, while McKenzie Eslinger tallied 14 points and four rebounds. Maddie Pierce scored six points and swiped two steals, Sophie Meyer contributed three rebounds, three assists and three steals and Mandee Selover put in four points and had two steals. Lilie Vansice also grabbed three boards, scored two points and had two steals.

Cassy Berg, Brooke Bacon and Bree Buswell all scored two points with Berg, Bacon and Allyson Padget each grabbing a pair of rebounds.

The Bolts have doubled up their opponents during their eight-game win streak, outscoring foes 482-239.

BOYS

Baxter 39, Saydel 25

Baxter’s boys’ basketball team struggled offensively during a win over Saydel on Monday night. But the defense held the Eagles to single digits in the first three quarters during a 39-25 road victory.

The Bolts led 7-4 after one but outscored the Eagles 9-2 in the second to take control. Baxter won the second half 23-19.

Kael Johnston continues to trend upward for Baxter as he finished with 10 points, four rebounds, eight assists and three steals. Carson Scroggins scored a game-high 13 points and blocked a game-high five shots. He also had a pair of boards.

Cody Damman had seven points, five rebounds, two assists and three steals, Nate McMinamen tallied six points, five rebounds and three assists, Rory Heer grabbed four rebounds and Trice Clapper scored three points and grabbed two rebounds.

The Bolts (6-4) shot 39 percent from the floor, hit 6-of-16 from long range and made 5-of-13 from the free-throw line.

Saydel (0-3) had 20 turnovers and made just 2-of-19 from 3-point range.