Lady Hounds find balance in rare win over Keokuk

PCC SPORTS

KEOKUK - The Fort Madison Lady Hounds broke a long streak Friday night with their first win over Keokuk in almost two decades.

Fort Madison (4-1) got 16 points from Malarie Ross, but then got 12 each from Camille Kruse and Brandy Walker as they move to 4-1 on the year with a 54-43 win. It was the first time Fort Madison has beaten the Chiefs in 18 years.

The Bloodhound's only loss this year has been a 1-point setback to Mt. Pleasant in overtime on Dec. 4.

The Chiefs were able to shut down Ross, who's averaging close to 23 points per game, in the first half. But Walker's inside game was opened up with attention being paid to Ross on the perimeter and off the dribble.

Kruse was also able to get some looks in the first half as she and Walker combined for 15 before the break.

Keokuk scored four points in the final minute of the first quarter to take a 14-13 lead into the second. Fort Madison would battle back in the early going of the second quarter to take an 18-14 lead sparked by a Ross 3-ball, her only points of the half.

Keokuk would then go on a 14-7 run behind sophomore Kayde Martin's five for a 28-25 lead at the half.

The Chiefs made some adjustments in the half to slow down Walker who had eight in the first two quarters. The Hounds took advantage of the shift and Ross broke the game open with nine in the third to help Fort Madison to a 16-7 run to take a 41-35 lead into the final period.

Keokuk would get within four at 47-43 with three minutes left in the game, but Fort Madison would put an end to the Chiefs scoring there. Kruse and Ireland Sargent each had five in the final period to preserve the win.

Nadia Boeding had seven for Fort Madison. Sargent finished with five and Delanee Seay had a first quarter bucket for her two points on the night.

Keokuk was led by Martin's 14. Abby Wolter and Keleigh Hall had eight each, while freshman Makenna Altgibers had seven. Abby Belba, Abby Thompson and Syndney McCarron each had a bucket for the Chiefs (1-2).

Fort Madison travels to Ottumwa (0-3) on Saturday night. Keokuk is off until Tuesday when they host Fairfield.