Published January 2021
Written by: Moriah Knapp
The Algona girls’ and boys’ basketball teams are continuing to improve as they work their way into the second part of their season.
The girls’ basketball team earned their first win of the season on Friday, December 18th. The Bulldogs traveled to Webster City and beat the Lynx 45-42. Lillian Ethrington led the Bulldogs in points with 19. A’Lailah Perry says, “We have improved a lot throughout the year; we just have to put the pieces together and finish strong.” The sophomore added in 12 points against the Lynx.
The boys also traveled to Webster City on Friday, December 18th. The Bulldogs beat the Lynx 61-56. Noah Nelson led the team in points with 16. Behind him was Tyler Manske with 15 points and Garrett Goche with 14 points. Junior Jackson Cecil says, “Right now we’re playing together, and everyone is unselfish. Nobody on the team cares how many points they score, and I think that’s why we are successful.”
On Saturday, December 19th, the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams played cross town rival, Bishop Garrigan. The games were played at the Algona gymnasium. The girls lost to a tough, 2020 State finalist Bishop Garrigan squad 22-79. Tora Solbach led the team in points with eight. Maddie Hilbert added six points.
The Algona boys also lost to Bishop Garrigan. The Bulldogs kept it close all game, coming down to the last minutes, but ended up losing to the Bears 55-59. Garrett Goche, Tyler Manske, and Kyle Simpson all led in points, with 14 a piece.
On Tuesday, December 22nd, the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams played Clarion-Goldfield-Dows at home. The girls lost to Clarion-Goldfield 27-44. A’Lailah Perry led the Bulldogs in points with 12. Lillian Ethrington had 10 points.
The Algona boys won against Clarion-Goldfield, defeating the Cowboys 50-38. Goche led in points with 17. James Wartick led the squad in rebounds with 18 and added in two blocked shots.
On Friday, January 8th, the Algona boys’ and girls’ basketball teams played against Saint Edmond at home. The Algona girls beat the Gales 48-32. A’Lailah Perry led the team in points, with 21. Perry also added in 11 rebounds, three steals, and one blocked shot.
The Algona boys also came away with a win against Saint Edmond, 51-43. Manske led in points with 22 and Kyle Simpson added 14 rebounds and two steals to the squad’s victory.
On January 9th, the Algona boys’ and girls’ basketball teams traveled to Garner-Hayfield- Ventura. The Algona girls lost to the Cardinals 26-45. Perry led again in points, this time with 12.
The Algona boys narrowly beat the Garner-Hayfield-Ventura Cardinals, 55-54. Tyler Manske and Noah Nelson led in points with 12, while Aaron Weringa added in 11.
On January 14th, the Algona boys’ and girls’ basketball teams were supposed to play Spencer at home, but this game was postponed due to bad weather. Their game on Friday, January 15th, at Hampton-Dumont-Cal was also postponed.
This week is a busy one for both squads, but at least they are home. They host Clear Lake on Tuesday, January 19th, host Pocahontas on Thursday, the 21st, and host Iowa Falls on Friday, the 22nd.
Good luck to the Bulldogs the rest of the season!