South Hamilton basketball splits Friday doubleheader with Madrid

The South Hamilton basketball teams returned to action on Friday night as they hosted the Madrid Tigers in a matchup of two old, Heart of Iowa Conference rivals. The Madrid girls entered with a 1-12 record, while the Madrid boys entered with a 9-4 record out of the West Central Activities Conference.

The girls game started slow for both sides, with South Hamilton only holding a 9-5 lead. But the play of Makena Galetich sparked the Hawks in the 2nd quarter, outscoring the Tigers 16-3, to take a 25-8 halftime lead. The Hawks would continue to ratchet up the intensity, holding a commanding 45-19 lead after the 3rd, and settling for a 55-29 win. Makena Galetich scored a season-high 25 points, including 5 three-pointers. Ellie Smith led Madrid with 10 points.

The boys game followed with South Hamilton facing a daunting task of a high-powered Madrid offense. The Hawks only trailed 14-6 after the 1st, but a 24-point 2nd quarter snowballed into a 38-13 halftime lead for Madrid. The Tigers continued to put their foot on the gas, leading 53-22 after 3, before scoring a 65-39 win over the Hawks. Toryn Severson led Madrid with 19 points, while Nic Flaugh led South Hamilton with 10.

South Hamilton returns to action on Tuesday, when travel south to face Saydel.