Girls’ basketball notes: Lauren Wilson climbs to the top of Springville’s scoring charts

Through the past 15 years, Springville High School has consistently produced winning teams — including four state-championship teams — and elite players.

In terms of scoring productivity, Lauren Wilson stands at the top.

On Monday, the versatile 6-foot senior smashed her own school single-game scoring record, erupting for 50 points in a 72-47 win over Central City. The following night, she became the school’s all-time leading scorer.

“The 50, it was surreal,” Wilson said. “I knew I was scoring a lot, but in the third quarter, we really turned it on. We went to a 1-3-1 trap press, our wings got a lot of steals and I got some run-out (layups).”

Wilson was 22 of 33 from the field Monday, including 3 for 5 from long range. She made 3 of 6 free throws.

She tacked on 26 points in the Orioles’ 72-46 home win over Edgewood-Colesburg on Tuesday. That pushed her career total to 1,668; Mikayla Nachazel — now a senior at Minnesota State — tallied 1,662 points from 2014 through 2018, an era that produced three state titles.

Wilson is averaging 24.8 points and 10.8 rebounds per game. She is shooting 58.0 percent from the field, 38.6 percent from long range.

“I just think she’s getting more comfortable attacking the basket and getting space,” Springville Coach Christina Zaruba said. “And she’s got more of an outside game now. You can’t just stay inside against her.”

The Orioles (15-1 overall, 8-1 Tri-Rivers Conference West Division) are ranked No. 5 in Class 1A. Next month, they’ll begin pursuit of a ninth state-tournament appearance since 2008.

It’s a wild Wamac West, again

So you thought the Wamac Conference West Division race was a muddled mess last year?

As the phrase goes, you ain’t seen nothing yet.

With the race just over halfway complete, five teams are within one game of each other.

“It’s going to be a fun last month of the season,” Benton Coach Jeff Zittergruen said. “You’d better be ready to play and execute. If you do, the rest will take care of itself.”

Benton (11-3 overall, 4-2 Wamac West) tightened things further Tuesday, knocking off Center Point-Urbana (11-2, 4-2), 41-38 at Center Point.

“Our perimeter defense wasn’t very good the first time, (in a 59-36 loss to CPU on Nov. 27),” Zittergruen said. “We did a much better job covering their shooters (Tuesday).”

First place in the division has been a revolving door all winter. Right now, Clear Creek Amana (9-5, 5-2) holds the upper hand, with Benton and CPU in striking range, along with Vinton-Shellsburg (10-5, 4-2) and Williamsburg (9-5, 4-3).

Benton, CCA and Vinton-Shellsburg shared the West title last year with three division losses apiece. CPU had four.

City-West: The sequel

The area’s lone remaining unbeaten, Iowa City High has two major challenges this weekend.

City (11-0 overall, 7-0 MVC) has its second showdown with Iowa City West (10-2, 7-1) on the road Friday, then travels to Cedar Rapids Xavier on Saturday for an afternoon makeup game with the Saints (9-4, 5-2).

The Little Hawks won their first matchup with West, 65-52, making 26 of 32 free throws, including 10 of 10 by Andie Westlake at home Dec. 17.

Iowa State commit Kelsey Joens, a junior, leads the Little Hawks at 22.8 points per game. Junior Meena Tate leads West at 15.8 ppg.

Comments: jeff.linder@thegazette.com