The class 2A quarterfinal round is underway at the girls state basketball tournament. Trailing fourth ranked Aplington-Parkersburg 23-6 early in the second quarter Rock Valley appeared to be in trouble. The fifth ranked Rockets rallied though. Sophomore Deb Remmerde scored eight of her 23-points in the third quarter as Rock Valley claimed a 57-54 victory. Remmerde says the victory should help the Rockets during the rest of the tournament. The Rockets will play 14th ranked Ballard of Huxley in the semifinal round. Amy Gibson had 22-points as 14th ranked Ballard got by Pella Christian 55-45. Ballard coach Merle Olberding says his team overcame a shaky start. Pella Christian coach Verlan Nikkel says his team played hard, and says it wasn’t until the last 30 seconds that the game was decided. Gibson had four three pointers in the third quarter but says they were not running any special plays to get her open. Lisa Kriener had 15-points as seventh ranked St. Ansgar cruised to a 45-27 win over ninth rated Westwood of Sloan. Saints coach Tom Townsend says they were happy with the victory, especially after falling in last year’s first round. Westwood coach Bruce Tevis says his team played well defensively but struggled on the offensive end.
