Late rally comes up short for Southwest Valley

Southeast Warren held on late to survive a late Southwest Valley run to defeat the visiting Timberwolves 41-38 in Liberty Center Friday.
The Timberwolves (1-6 overall, 1-3 in Pride of Iowa Conference) trailed by 10 at the five-minute mark before going on an 11-4 run to end the game. A steal late at the end led to a potential game-tying shot, but it came up short.
“I am proud on the second night of back to back road trips and our third road game of the week, we could finish so strong in the end,” said Southwest Valley coach Mike Cormack. “We just ran out of time. Our girls fought to the end and that’s all you can ask for.”
Hailey Randall had a big night for the Timberwolves scoring 25 points and grabbing eight steals. Mackenzie Fast scored eight points and pulled down a team-best six rebounds.
The Timberwolves will use their two week break to continue to improve and work to keep getting better.
“The coaches know the players will work hard to do so,” Cormack said.

Mount Ayr 64,
Southwest Valley 48
Class 1A, No. 4 ranked Mount Ayr earned a hard-fought 64-48 victory over Southwest Valley in a Pride of Iowa Girls Basketball Thursday in Mount Ayr.
“Mount Ayr is very worthy of their No. 4 state ranking,” said Southwest Valley coach Mike Cormack. “Yet, we made them earn this victory. Both teams played well and except for a scoring drought we hit going into and out of halftime, we were their equal for the majority of this game. We played our best game of the year and while we came up short on the scoreboard, I love the effort and many fine plays we did make on the floor tonight.
“This effort would have got the job done against most teams on our schedule. I have a ton of respect for Mount Ayr and think we earned some tonight from those who watched this game.”
Hailey Randall led the way for the Timberwolves with 17 points.
Maddie Bevington and Mackenzie Fast both added 10 points each and Lydia Forsythe came off the bench to score a career high nine points and grabbed seven rebounds.
Breya Nickle scored 18 points and Izzy Gilbertson 14 to lead Mount Ayr.

Bedford 43,
Southwest Valley 40
Bedford scored the final five points of the game to top Southwest Valley 43-40 in non-conference girls basketball Bedford Monday night.
“We had chances to win this game,” said Southwest Valley coach Mike Cormack. “We have held a halftime lead the past two games and had a lead with two minutes to go in this one. We are giving ourselves opportunities to win and just coming up short. Good things will happen if we keep finding ourselves in these situations.”
The matchup was the first between the two schools since Bedford left the Pride of Iowa Conference to join the Corner Conference this school season.
Hailey Randall scored 16 points while Maddie Bevington poured in 15 for the Timberwolves. Mackenzie Fast led Southwest Valley with nine rebounds.
Caroline Simmons led Bedford with 16 points.