By holding Saydel to just six points over the final three quarters, the Hawks were able to easily rally from an early six-point deficit to win their second straight league tussle, 30-17.

Both teams shot just 20 percent from the field. South Hamilton (5-11, 4-7 HOIC) connected on 10 of 50 attempts, while Saydel (1-16, 1-9 HOIC) made good on only 7 of 34.

But the Hawks forced 33 turnovers, 20 of them coming off steals. Breanne Diersen was the biggest thorn in the Eagles’ sides, as she collected eight thefts. The senior forward also knocked down one 3-pointer, scored five points and corralled six rebounds.

“This might have been the best defense we’ve played all year,” South Hamilton head coach Mark Henderson said. “After giving up a few baskets early, the girls turned up the pressure and forced a lot of turnovers.”

Photo/Angela Hewitt

Emma Lewis led the way offensively with nine points. Brookelyn George came off the bench to add four points, Rylee Woodall and Aneesa Balderas both contributed three, while Hailey Diersen, Sydney Friest and Caleigh Hewitt all had two. Friest led the team on the glass with seven boards.

Saydel led 11-5 after one quarter, then went scoreless in the second. South Hamilton owned a one-point lead, 12-11, at the intermission.

The Hawks will be on Coach Jim Marsh Court Tuesday evening to host Gilbert at 6 p.m.

South Hamilton 30, Saydel 17

Friday at Des Moines

South Hamilton (5-11, 4-7 HOIC) — Rylee Woodall 0 3-6 3, Emma Lewis 3 2-3 9, Breanne Diersen 2 0-0 5, Brookelyn George 2 0-1 4, Aneesa Balderas 1 0-0 3, Hailey Diersen 0 2-3 2, Sydney Friest 1 0-3 2, Caleigh Hewitt 1 0-0 2, Krista Swenson 0 0-0 0. Totals: 10 7-16 30.

Saydel (1-16, 1-9 HOIC) — Daleany Shinn 1 1-2 3, Vanessa Garton 0 0-0 0, Darian Garcia 2 0-2 4, Rylee Carney 1 0-0 2, Orianna Martin 0 0-0 0, Alle Thompson 1 0-0 2, Emily Lowe 2 1-4 5, Rachel Barton 0 1-2 1. Totals: 7 3-10 17.

S. Hamilton 5 7 9 9 — 30

Saydel 11 0 3 3 — 17

3-point field goals — SH 3 (Lewis, B. Diersen, Balderas). Rebounds — SH 39 (Friest 7, B. Diersen 6). Steals — SH 20 (B. Diersen 8). Assists — SH 4. Turnovers — SH 22. Team fouls — SH 17, SAY 16. Fouled out — none.