Charles City comes up short against Decorah in postseason quarterfinal

Press Staff Report

The third time was not a charm for the Charles City girls basketball team on Wednesday night.

The Comets and head coach Danielle Rippentrop faced Decorah for the third time this season in a Class 4A, Region 3 quarterfinal matchup on the Vikings’ home floor.

Decorah (12-9) had twice defeated Charles City (5-17) by identical scores of 44-33 during the regular season. This third installment between the Northeast Iowa Conference rivals was a make-or-break and loser-go-home contest.

The Vikings ended up advancing in post-season competition by downing Charles City, 60-49.

The Comets drained 10 three-pointers on the evening – seven of them in the first half.

Comet senior Mackenzy Bilharz paced the Comets with 15 points, all registered on 3-pointers. CCHS sophomore Lydia Staudt added 12 points. Sadie Gebel chipped in with seven points. Dani Stock and Liz Fiser each added six points.

Decorah’s Abigail Milburn led all scorers with 18 points. Bryar Duwe had a solid effort with 16 points. Emma Nierengarten and Haley Gossman tallied 10 points apiece.

Decorah led 19-11 after one quarter of play, but Charles City was able to cut into that deficit and trail by just five at the break, down 30-25. The Vikings outscored the Comets by seven points in the final period of play.

“The girls surely did leave everything out in the floor. They played their hearts out. You never have to question their effort. We shot the 3 very well tonight and Decorah made a good adjustment by switching to the 1-3-1. We had a lot of girls step up and play great basketball. I would take this team over anyone! They are a great group of girls and I have loved coaching them!,” said Rippentrop.

Decorah moves on to face ninth-ranked Cedar Rapids Xavier (14-7) on Saturday at 5 p.m. on the Saints’ home floor.