Western Dubuque hitting its stride

Western Dubuque is now at full strength and playing at full throttle.

After a series of close calls in December, the Bobcats have point guard Morgan Pitz back, and have accelerated.

'I think it gives us a lot of comfort and a lot of confidence with her back in the lineup,' Bobcats Coach Amy Ostwinkle said. 'Our confidence in shooting is really improving. Abigail Dolphin is shooting really well, and it gives Megan (Maahs) some more good looks.'

The Class 4A state runner-up each of the last two years, Western Dubuque (12-0 overall, 6-0 Wamac East) has pushed its regular-season winning streak to 33 consecutive games.

'We know that every game, we're going to get a team's best effort,' Ostwinkle said. 'Our goals are set pretty high again. The focus is on getting better as a team.'

Pitz was injured in the Bobcats' season opener against South Tama, and was diagnosed with a torn ACL. The junior opted not to have surgery, instead choosing a brace and a return. She is averaging 8.8 points in five games.

She was back for the Bobcats' comeback win over Marion in the first game back after the holiday break. And Western Dubuque has picked up steam since, with big wins over Dyersville Beckman, Spirit Lake and West Delaware.

In the Spirit Lake win, Saturday at the U.S. Cellular Center, the Bobcats trailed in the third quarter before scoring 26 consecutive points for a 49-28 decision.

Before Pitz's return, the Bobcats were forced to sweat out four single-digit wins, including a five-pointer against Anamosa.

As has been the case the last two seasons, Maahs is the Bobcats' focal point. The UNI signee is averaging 17.1 points and 11.5 rebounds per game.

'She has really helped raised the bar of expectations around here,' Ostwinkle said. 'On and off the court, she has been a true leader. She can play evey role for us — post, point guard, whatever. She can guard anybody on the floor.'

The 4A second-rated Bobcats are at Maquoketa on Friday.

ROOKIE REBOUNDER LEADS THE STATE

Tipton freshman Alex Wiese has made an immediate impact on the boards in River Valley Conference gymnasiums.

Wiese is averaging 13.3 rebounds per game, a rate that leads the state.

Cedar Rapids Washington's Vanessa Eniola (96.2 percent) and Marion's Chloe Rice (94.2) are 1-2 in the state in free-throw shooting.

Kaitlyn Volesky of Mount Vernon ranks second in field-goal accuracy at 70.8 percent, and Sydney Hayden of Cedar Rapids Kennedy is No. 2 in 3-pointers, with 45. Jackie Falconer of North Linn is third in assists, with 87.

CLOSING IN ON BRACKET RACKET

Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union assistant director Jason Eslinger revealed that regional pairings will likely be released Jan. 25 for classes 1A, 2A and 3A, and Feb. 1 in 4A and 5A.

The tournament series begins Feb. 11. Regional finals are Feb. 20 in 3A, Feb. 22 in 1A and 2A, and Feb. 23 in 4A and 5A.

l Comments: (319) 368-8857; jeff.linder@thegazette.com