The CAM Cougars girls basketball team raced out to a 16-7 lead over Montezuma in the first quarter, but five three-point makes in the second made the difference in the game for the Bravettes. Montezuma grabbed a three point lead by half and they carried that momentum into the second half, and on to a 59-45 win.

The Cougars seemed to have control of the game early but the Bravettes found a groove behind the outside shooting of Elise Boulton and Shelby Conger. Montezuma only made five of sixteen threes in the entire game, but they all came in that second quarter flurry. Montezuma tied the game at 22 near the final minute of the first half, and Shelby Conger hit her second three of the period as time ran out to end the half.

The Bravettes made that rally while leading scorer, and future Iowa Hawkeye, Shateah Wetering sat on the bench with two fouls. CAM Head Coach Joe Wollum said it was a tough stretch for his squad.

Montezuma outscored CAM by 8 in the third quarter and hit 12 of 15 free throws in the second half to secure the win. The Bravettes were led by 17 from Wetering and 13 from Boulton. They now move on to the 1A Semifinals on Friday afternoon against West Hancock.

CAM was led by 19 from Madison Gettler, 12 from Zoey Baylor, and 11 from Paige McAfee. The Cougars outstanding season came to a close with a 21-3 record. Coach Wollum talked about how special this senior class has been for the program.

Wollum also talked about the strong bond he has developed with this team through some trying personal struggles in his life.

This trip to state marked just the second time the CAM district has played in the state tournament, and the first since 1997. It’s the 10th overall state appearance between the Cumberland, Massena, Anita, and CAM districts.