Isabella’s girls basketball team controlled the game from start to finish en route to a 55-15 victory against rival Maplesville in the county basketball tournament’s opening round on Jan. 5.

The 40-point was the result of tenacious defense and an attacking offense that converted several turnovers into transition points.

“I was very pleased with the way they played, and effort-wise it was great,” IHS head coach Jared Day said. “We shot the ball fairly decent and were able to push the ball.”

Amelia Fjeldstad was right around her season average with 26 points, and Makayla Logan joined her in double figures with 11 points on the night.

“She (Fjeldstad) can flat out play,” Day said.

Fjeldstad is only a freshman and her growth has Day excited about the present and future of the Isabella program.

“You still see some youth in her, but she does way more of the good stuff than the bad,” Day said. “She’s the leader on the floor, and that’s what you want as a coach. A lot of times I don’t even have to say anything, because she’ll get us in the right stuff.”

Seven different Mustangs scored to help reach the 55-point mark, and four of those players knocked down a three-pointer.

Sadie Simon (No. 33) of Isabella fights for position in the paint. (Photo by Anthony Richards)

Isabella led 32-11 at halftime and held the Red Devils scoreless in the fourth quarter.

Better communication on the court, especially on the defensive end, is something Day wants to see improved among his players.

“Defensively was not bad, but we just have to be more consistent, and not give up so many open shots,” Day said. “You’re not going to get a stop on every possession, but you’ve got to force them to take a shot that’s contested.”

Although Maplesville struggled offensively, Avery Jones was a bright spot for the squad. She led the team with eight points.

The Mustangs will face Thorsby in the semifinals at 6 p.m. on Jan. 8 at Jemison High School’s gym.

The two teams have already faced each other this season with the Rebels coming out on the winning end of the contest.