The Ballard women's basketball team closed out Raccoon River Conference play with a gritty 31-26 victory at Winterset Huskies girls basketball on Friday night, finishing the regular season 8-13 overall and 7-9 in conference competition.

In a defensive battle from start to finish, Ballard set the tone early.  The Bombers jumped out to a 13-8 lead after the first quarter, limiting Winterset's offensive rhythm with active hands and disciplined half-court defense.  Although the offense cooled in the second quarter, Ballard maintained a 19-16 halftime edge. 

The third quarter proved pivotal. Ballard held Winterset to just eight points while grinding out seven of its own to extend the lead to 26-24 entering the final frame.  The Bombers then delivered their strongest defensive stretch of the night in the fourth quarter, surrendering just one point to seal the five-point win.

Offensively, Grace Grundmeyer led the way with 11 points, knocking down eight of 10 free throws and adding five steals and five rebounds.  Kaylor Johnson provided a strong interior presence with seven points, seven rebounds, and four blocked shots.  Grace Polewik added six points and two assists, while Raya Miller chipped in three points on 1-of-2 shooting from beyond the arc.

Brooklyn Shoen was efficient off the bench, converting her lone field goal attempt, and the Bombers received key defensive contributions from Avilee Miller and Kaitlyn Dunn, who combined for seven steals.  As a team, Ballard forced 17 turnovers and recorded six blocked shots, helping overcome a challenging shooting night (9-of-37 from the field).

Ballard will now shift its focus to postseason play.  The Bombers host Fort Dodge on Wednesday, February 18, in a Class 4A regional quarterfinal.  Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM at Ballard High School.

Photo Credit: Davidson Photography