A
record-breaking victory that featured contributions up and down the lineup sent
West Des Moines Valley to the Class 5A semifinals.
The
second-ranked Tigers set a tournament scoring record in rolling past No. 7
Dowling Catholic 87-64, the Maroons' second victory over their West Des Moines rival this season.
Valley's
Zoe Young also got into the 5A record book by handing out 11 assists.
The old
5A scoring record was 72 points by Mason City in 2013. Waukee's Ellie Cavanaugh
had the previous assist record of 10, set in 2015.
Five
players scored in double figures for Valley, led by Jackie Feldt
with 23. Freshman Alex Honold scored 16 and grabbed
eight rebounds, while Young, a sophomore who is getting looks from Division I
universities, added 13. Drake signee Hannah Fuller scored 12 for the Tigers,
who beat Dowling 76-72 earlier this season.
Anna Wanek led Dowling with 16 points, while Josie Filer had 13
points and 11 rebounds. Freshman Caitlin Clark scored 11 for the Maroons.
Valley
was sharp from the beginning. The Tigers shot 53 percent and moved the ball
well, getting assists on 21 of their 34 baskets. They had a 12-point by late in
the first quarter and kept building it with their sharp shooting and crisp
passing.
Any time
Dowling threatened to cut into the lead significantly, the Tigers responded
with a quick burst to pull away again.
Valley is
in the state tournament for the 12th time and looking for its first title. The
Tigers take a 22-2 record into a semifinal game at 3:15 p.m. Friday.
Dowling,
a five-time state champion, finishes 19-5.