It was quite a week for the Belmond-Klemme boys’ basketball team.
Averaging 85 points per game with a margin of victory of 32 points, the Broncos notched a pair of conference wins.
Belmond-Klemme stayed in third place in the Top of Iowa West standings by downing visiting West Hancock 88-47 on Feb. 3 and then two days later traveling to Eagle Grove for an 82-59 triumph.
“We had a very productive week, earning two strong wins while continuing to see growth in how we play together on both ends of the floor,” Belmond-Klemme coach Justin Meyer said.
The Broncos are sitting at 11-3 in conference play and 14-4 overall. That’s the program’s most wins during a season since 2013-14.
Belmond-Klemme 88, West Hancock 47
Belmond-Klemme improved to 7-1 at home this season by rolling past West Hancock 88-47 on Feb. 3.
The Broncos jumped out to a 24-6 lead — scoring 20 straight points during one stretch — after one quarter and never looked back. They forced 10 first-quarter turnovers that were converted into 16 points.
Belmond-Klemme increased its lead to 48-21 at halftime and were up 67-42 entering the final quarter. The Broncos tallied 21 of the game’s final 26 points to cruise to victory.
“One of our main points of emphasis coming into the night was improving our ball movement,” Meyer said. “In our previous matchup at West Hancock, we recorded just 10 assists, so we challenged the guys to share the ball and trust one another offensively. They responded in a big way, finishing with at least six assists in every quarter and a season-high 27 as a team.
“While our third-quarter defense wasn’t up to our standard, allowing 21 points, I was proud of how we responded by locking in during the fourth quarter and surrendering just five points to close the game.”
Belmond-Klemme shot lights out from the field. Overall, it hit 66.7% (34-for-51). From inside the 3-point line, the guys were 81.8% (27-for-33).
The Broncos’ defense caused 20 turnovers and nabbed 12 steals.
Individually, Brody Heifner had a game-high 28 points on 12-for-14 shooting; he also had eight assists, eight rebounds and five steals. Kysen Lamb scored 17 points and added four assists and four boards. Juan Medina came through with nine points and three assists. Kale Pletsch and Saul Duran each tallied eight points.
Belmond-Klemme 82, Eagle Grove 59
The Broncos carried over their momentum from the lopsided victory over West Hancock and defeated Eagle Grove on the road, 82-59.
Belmond-Klemme led 10-2 out of the gate and took a 17-9 lead into the second quarter.
“We came out strong, building a lead behind active defense, steals and a quick transition attack that led to several early layups,” Meyer said.
A scrappy Eagle Grove squad didn’t go away, pulling to within one, 32-31, at halftime thanks to some big 3-pointers.
“In the second half, however, our defensive pressure and off-ball positioning created numerous takeaway opportunities, and we tied a season high with 15 steals,” Meyer said.
Belmond-Klemme’s smothering defense fueled its offense as it scored 50 second-half points.
“When we pair efficient offense with solid defense like we did in the second half, we become a very difficult team to play against,” Meyer said.
The Broncos had another strong shooting effort. They hit 34 of 57 (59.6%) attempts and were 8-for-15 (53.3%) from beyond the 3-point arc.
Belmond-Klemme forced Eagle Grove into 23 turnovers, while the Broncos lost the ball just five times.
The 1-2 punch of Heifner and Lamb struck again. It was Lamb this time leading the way with 26 points and a pair of assists. Heifner filled up the stat sheet with 22 points, nine rebounds, five assists and four steals.
Griffin Paulsen came through with 18 points, six assists and three steals. Cash Young scored seven points.
“Overall, I’m really pleased with how our group performed this week,” Meyer said. “The unselfishness on offense, defensive activity and ability to respond to adversity are all signs of a team continuing to move in the right direction.”
Belmond-Klemme played its final regular-season game against Forest City on Feb. 10. The Class 2A playoffs get underway on Feb. 16.