The Ipswich girls basketball team finally made their Lake Region Conference visit to Langford on February 17 and returned home with a 56-50 win in a battle of the Big Cats (Tigers vs. Lions).

Ipswich had owned a double-figure 17-7 lead after a quarter and would then be able to hang on for their ultimate six-point win. Ipswich did lead 33-25 at intermission and then led 43-38 with a quarter left to play.

Katie Bierman led all scorers with her 20 points and she featured a trio of treys. Next was Gabby Wald with 16 points including three treys. Ashlyn Weig tallied eight points with a trey and Brianna Geditz contributed six points from two treys. Baylee Kulesa, Kaylin Onken and Anna Nierman all had two points.

The hosts were led by Megan Gustafson with 17 points, followed by Alex Darling with 16 points and Bryanna Peterson with 10 points. Tawnee Nelson, Lizzie Gustafson and Eliana Darling netted two points apiece and Clarissa Guy a free throw.

Ipswich totaled 22 field goals that included its nine treys and was 3-11 in free throw tries. Meanwhile the Lions made 17 baskets that included six treys and were 10-17 in free throws.

Ipswich gathered 20 rebounds led by Onken with six boards. Langford totaled 30 rebounds. Ipswich only committed 14 turnovers and Langford, 21 miscues. Wald caused eight of those with her steals.

The Ipswich girls are in Region 6B play now. They played Sunshine Bible Academy on Monday, Feb. 20. The winner of that game was set to play the #1 seed Sully Buttes Tuesday, Feb. 21. The SoDak 16 qualifiers will be determined on Thursday, Feb. 23. The weather may change the dates of games.