EMMETSBURG — The Emmetsburg E-Hawks won the first half battle and the Spencer boys basketball team claimed the second half but were unable to overcome the home team’s advantage as the veteran squad held on for a 68-57 win.

Facing one the toughest boys swim teams in the area, Spencer welcomed Carroll to the Spencer Family YMCA for its home opener Tuesday. Carroll was nearly as dominant as they had been the previous Saturday in Fort Dodge, winning every event with the exception of the 500 freestyle.

Oliver Miller recorded the home team’s lone victory.

The Spencer field house opened its doors and rolled out the red carpet for the boys wrestling team from Storm Lake for the Lakes Conference opener. While the Tornadoes may have felt welcome on arrival, the Tigers were less than cordial hosts, dispensing of their guests, 71-9, to improve to 3-0 in dual action.

Spencer picked up nine falls on the night, including seven in the first period.

Coach Bob Fullhart credited the effort of all his wrestlers on Senior Night.

Spencer High School football players Dalton Flikkema and Weston Johnson were recently recognized as members of the IFCA Academic All-State Football Team. (Photo submitted)

SIOUX RAPIDS — Four teams competed on Sioux Central’s mats Tuesday night with Twin Lakes rivals North Union, Pocahontas and West Bend-Mallard coming to town for boys wrestling action. The Rebels took care of WB-M, 54-24; while falling to North Union and Pocahontas by narrow margins, 36-30 and 40-32 respectively.

ALTA — Jack Christian’s game high 25 points and six 3-pointers couldn’t help Sioux Central avoid its third loss to start the season on the road at Alta-Aurelia, 58-50. A five-point second proved the difference in an otherwise even ball game.

“I was very pleased with the energy and effort that we came out with tonight.” Rebel head coach Stephen Tjaden said. “With it being our first time on the road I was very pleased with how we responded and jumped out in front.

Iowa Lakes athletics has three student athletes named ICCAC Athletes of the Week.

Men’s basketball — Kai Evans, sophomore guard

Iowa Lakes Lakers women’s basketball team proved up to the challenge against No. 5 Anoka Ramsey, but fell short, 58-64.

The Lakers had three in double digits for scoring, led by Jordyn Stokes with 20 points. Arianna Smith and Emma Kanz added 14 and 13 points.

Anoka Ramsey was led by Alani Pettis with 18 points.

The Lakers out-rebounded their opponents, 47-44.

MILFORD — Spencer’s ladies placed on top of the 20-plus team field at the Okoboji Invite, Friday evening, paced by championships from Shaylee Sutherland, at 140, and Olivia Huckfelt, at 235; as well as four runner-up efforts. The Tigers finished with 201 points, 23 better than second place Canton, of South Dakota.

Sioux Central finished in the top half of the field, ending up in eighth place, in a race which separated seventh through 10th place by six points.

SIOUX CITY — A third place finish at the loaded Sergeant Bluff-Luton Invitational Saturday. Not bad Tigers, not bad.

The Spencer boys wrestling crew led all tournament teams with 31 pins at Long Lines Arena, host site of the clash.

It was a 1-2 week for the Spencer boys swim team as they were able to beat Fort Dodge in the Dodgers home pool on Tuesday, while falling to Carroll. They would travel once again Thursday, swimming in Sioux City where they were overwhelmed by West, 124-46. Results from the West meet were unavailable at press time.

TIGERS SPLIT TUESDAY DUAL

SIOUX RAPIDS — The third quarter provided No. 2 Newell-Fonda with all the cushion it would need to down No. 8 Sioux Central in a battle of top 10 girls basketball teams. The Mustangs outscored the Rebels by 15 points, to take the lead for good after the Rebels enjoyed a 21-20 advantage at the half.

“We weren’t able to play the way we wanted to and all of that credit goes to Newell Fonda and the consistent pressure they put on you,” Sioux Central coach Kasey Krager said.

Sioux Central’s boys opened wrestling tournament action at Okoboji Saturday where they placed eighth out of 10 teams. Kaben Morrow was the Rebel’s lone champion who captured a 7-6 finals win. Four other Sioux Central wrestlers placed in the top four, including Remi McGregor, Hunter Cooper, Gavin Casey and Tanner Deuschle. First-year coach Chance Rice said, “I believe we wrestled pretty well Saturday but also left a lot on the table.

SIOUX RAPIDS — The home team stayed close to the visitors but, Friday night, Sioux Central suffered a 63-58 loss to Newell-Fonda in the second half of a girl-boy doubleheader on the Rebel floor.

After falling behind by five in the first quarter by five, Sioux Central would close the game to one possession at the intermission, 31-28. The Mustangs would go back up by six heading into the final 10 minutes before finishing with win.

Iowa Lakes athletes Brady Abkes, Kendall Umscheid and Mackenzie Schnetzer all earned honorable mention in the category of trap. The ICCAC Sports Shooting announced their inaugural All-Region qualifiers and special awards after the 2023 season. Award earners were recognized based on statistics throughout the season. The Lakers plan to compete in the ACUI Nationals in San Antonio the third week of March 2024.