By: Dana Becker
Messenger Sports Staff
Down by two at the half, Sabah Dickerson asked for three things out of her Iowa Central women's team over the final 20 minutes.
The Tritons paid attention and delivered, storming out of the break on their way to posting an 80-65 victory here Monday evening over Central-Columbus.
Laney Pilcher led four players in double figures with 22, adding eight steals and seven rebounds. Kaitlyn Tendal scored 12, Alicia Hatlestad 11 and Fort Dodge Senior High grad Lainey Maehl 10 for Iowa Central (2-0 overall).
"We asked just three things out of them at halftime," Dickerson said. "We are a very smart team with a high basketball IQ. I think that showed over the second half.
"We weren't hitting shots and there are going to be nights when that happens. But if you can execute, drive to the basket and limit your turnovers, you can overcome that."
The Tritons outscored Central-Columbus 26-11 during the third as Pilcher took over the game. The freshman caused problems for the Raider defense with her ability to get to the basket, finishing 9-for-16 from the field.
"Laney found a rhythm," Dickerson said. "She had a few shots in the first half that just weren't dropping because she was avoiding the contact. Once she started playing more physical, things turned around.
"When you can score 80, put four players in double figures and shoot 44 percent from the field, that is a pretty good offensive night."
Emily Theiss had a game-high 11 rebounds with four assists for the Tritons, as Maehl added seven rebounds, two steals and a blocked shot. Alyssa Lux chipped in eight points off the bench and Olivia Miller grabbed five rebounds.
For Central-Columbus, Aubry Saleapaga had 20 points and Makenna Pelster added 14.
Iowa Central was plus-18 on points in the paint and scored 21 off 18 Raider turnovers.
After starting the year at home inside Hodges Fieldhouse, the Tritons will now hit the road for three straight. They play in Kansas City at Hy-Vee Arena on Friday vs. Metropolitan before taking on Kansas-City Kansas Saturday. Iowa Central travels to Central-Columbus next Tuesday.