Marion vaults to No. 1 for first time

The Marion High School girls' basketball program has climbed to unprecedented heights.

Marion is the new Class 4A top-ranked team in the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union rankings, released Thursday afternoon.

'It's one of those things to keep in perspective,' Coach Corby Laube said. 'Obviously, it doesn't win us any games, but it's a nice honor. And you have to celebrate those small things.'

It is Marion's first No. 1 billing in girls' basketball. The Indians (16-1 overall, 10-0 Wamac Conference West Division) stepped to the top after former No. 1 Pella suffered back-to-back losses last weekend.

'The big thing for us is to stay focused and get a little better each day,' Laube said. 'I feel like we're starting to play our best basketball right now.'

Marion has won five consecutive games since its lone loss (50-43 to Linn-Mar), allowing just 21.8 points per game in that stretch.

Chloe Rice, a junior and a Saint Louis University recruit, leads the team at 16.0 points per game. Freshman Kayba Laube adds 13.2 ppg, and seven others are adding at least 3 points per contest.

'I think our trademarks are unselfishness, versatility and depth,' Coach Laube said. 'All of our players can play inside and out and can play different styles. Our posts can guard perimeter players, and our guards can guard inside.'

The Indians' face their final major hurdle of the regular season Friday, at Center Point-Urbana (14-2, 9-1). The Indians outlasted the Stormin' Pointers, 60-57, Dec. 16.

'It's a good rivalry, one of mutual respect,' Laube said. 'It will be a good challenge.'

CO-CHAMPS, AT LEAST

Cascade, Clayton Ridge and Lynnville-Sully are the first teams to put a stamp on area conference races.

At 12-1 in River Valley Conference play, Cascade (14-2 overall) edged Camanche, 41-40, Tuesday on Nicole McDermott's layup with 6 seconds left. The Cougars hold a four-game lead in the loss column in the North Division on Monticello (11-6, 9-5) and Bellevue (11-5, 8-5), and wrap up the title solo — their third in four years — with their next win. They host West Liberty on Friday.

Clayton Ridge (12-2, 9-0 Upper Iowa) owns a share of the UIC Large Division title and holds a four-game lead on North Fayette Valley by virtue of its 42-41 win at West Union on Tuesday. The Eagles host Lansing Kee on Thursday.

Lynnville-Sully (18-0, 14-0 South Iowa Cedar League) has wrapped up a share of the West Division crown and face its closest pursuer when it travels to Montezuma (12-4, 11-2).

MILESTONES ALL OVER

At least five area players reached the 1,000-point career mark this week, including two in one game.

Maquoketa Valley senior Brianna Mensen and Springville junior Mikayla Nachazel both got there in the Wildcats' win Monday at Delhi.

Iowa City Regina junior Mary Crompton, West Branch junior Tatum Koenig and Clayton Ridge senior Savannah Domeyer all reached the mark Tuesday.

Koenig played her first season at West Liberty.

CONCUSSION SIDELINES FINLEY

Linn-Mar's Kamryn Finley missed Tuesday's game — a 62-48 loss to Cedar Falls — with a concussion.

Finley was hurt in Saturday's home loss to Waukee. Coach Jaime Brandt said Finley's return is unknown 'depending on her symptoms.'

A junior guard and a Northern Iowa commitment, Finley leads the Lions (11-6) at 14.8 points per game.

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