Defense was the sparkplug that helped get the Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn girls' basketball team rolling on offense against Trinity Christian. The Hawks' pressure created scoring opportunities that helped fuel a 56-33 win on Jan. 12 at Hull.

H-M-S only led 13-9 after one quarter but a strong second period increased the margin to 14 points.

"Our press created some turnovers and some easy baskets with our defense. It gave us a lead and we kept it going," said Hawk coach Lester Tessum.

The Hawks maintained it in the third quarter and used a strong finish to win by 23 points.

Tessum said the Hawks also pushed the ball up the floor following rebounds, which also helped contribute to their offensive success.

Lydia Harders led H-M-S with 18 points while Taya Mason scored 13, Jasmine Lux and Emily Mutombo each scored nine and Olivia Grooters added four. The Hawks made 36 percent of their shots from the floor and 9-of-17 attempts at the free throw line.

Grooters also had seven rebounds and two steals; Mason had six rebounds and three steals; Lux had five rebounds, three steals and two assists; Darby Mastbergen and Emily Otto each grabbed three rebounds; and Mutombo had three steals.

The leading scorer for the Tigers (2-11) was Josie Postma with eight points.

• vs. Sheldon

Shots failed to fall for H-M-S during a 66-30 non-conference loss at Sheldon on Jan. 11.

Shooting percentages were identical from the floor and at the foul line, as the Hawks only made 25 percent of their attempts. A rough start in terms of shooting set the tone for H-M-S which fell behind 15-5 in the first quarter and trailed 35-13 at the half.

"We got the first look at the basket and it didn't go in, and that was the way it went the whole night," Tessum remarked. "We had quite a few looks in the paint but we didn't convert."

Sheldon led 53-18 at the end of the third quarter. Although the Orabs scored 66 points, Tessum was not disappointed with the Hawks' defensive effort.

"Our defense wasn't too bad. It was solid," he said.

Scoring for H-M-S included 10 points by Lydia Harders, eight points each by Olivia Grooters and Jasmine Lux and four points by Emily Otto.

Harders also led H-M-S with eight rebounds; Lux had six rebounds and two steals; Grooters also had six rebounds; and Elise Haack added three rebounds.

Brooklyn Grady scored 15 points and Maliah Kleinhesselink scored 13 to lead Sheldon (4-9).

H-M-S (4-8, 2-3) travels to LeMars on Jan. 22 to take on Gehlen Catholic and hosts South O'Brien on Jan. 26.