A moment of silence and a heartfelt tribute marked the start of the Fort Dodge girls basketball team's game on Thursday night, as they honored the late Aaron Miller, a beloved teacher and coach who recently passed away. The Dodgers showcased their resilience and determination, securing a decisive 49-24 victory over Des Moines Hoover. Despite the win, head coach Scott Messerly emphasized that there is still much room for improvement in his team's performance.

The Dodgers demonstrated strong defensive play throughout the match, holding the Huskies to just six points in the first half. Junior LJ Maehl led the charge with an impressive double-double, scoring 27 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Her consistent performance has propelled her into seventh place on Fort Dodge’s all-time scoring list. The team also excelled in rebounding, outclassing their opponents 35-18 on the boards. Meah McCaleb contributed significantly with six steals and six assists, while Bella Lee and Dakota Pommer added crucial points off the bench.

While the win was significant, Coach Messerly highlighted the need for more consistent play. He stressed the importance of reducing turnovers, improving free throw accuracy, and making better decisions with the ball. The team's ability to control the tempo and share the ball will be key to their success in upcoming games. Moving forward, the Dodgers aim to build on this momentum and honor Miller's legacy by continuing to improve and work together as a cohesive unit.