The #3 Norwalk Warriors (5-0) will host the Indianola Indians (4-1) on Friday, Dec. 19, at 6:00 p.m.
According to Bound, since 2006, the Indians have led the overall series, 18-6. However, Norwalk has won the last two matchups. The last game was led by the Birmingham sisters, with them having 17 points each. The last win for Indianola was in January of 2024.
Seniors Pearl Brown, Ava Carlson, and sophomore Grace Bordenaro were asked about their performance against ADM following the game on Nov. 24. Brown said good defense led to productive offense.
“I think what went well was our pressure tonight,” Brown said when asked about what went well against the Tigers. “We really made them make a lot of mistakes, which led to easy layups and free throws that we were knocking down.”
In that game, the Tigers committed 16 total fouls compared to Norwalk’s 10. The Warriors also knocked down 15 of their 24 free throws. Carlson said the team’s ability to adapt helped in their win.
“I think our team chemistry on offense worked really well together,” senior Ava Carlson said. “They threw a lot at us. Just adjusting to those [plays] and still finding ways to score.”
Carlson had 12 points, three rebounds, and a steal against ADM. Ava is a 5’9 power forward, which is smaller for a girls’ basketball forward. She said there are some pros and cons of being that height.
“Some advantages are I am smaller, so I can just get around quicker,” Carlson said. “Obviously, some disadvantages are the height [difference].”
Grace Bordenaro is one of many sophomores on Norwalk’s basketball team. She joins the likes of Braylyn Birmingham, Emma Banks, Makenna Roeder, and Olive DeRocher. Bordenaro said she is full of gratitude for her role this season.
“I’m very lucky to be a sophomore getting so much playing time… very grateful to be playing along with one of the best players in the state, Braylyn Birmingham.”
She also followed up with her previous statement about Braylyn by adding, “She makes the game easy, and it just shows.”
Sophomore Braylyn Birmingham leads the team in several categories, such as points scored (148), rebounds (34), and assists (21). Birmingham has shot 56.8% from the field, 45.2% from three, and an 85% free-throw percentage.
Tickets for the Indianola game can be purchased on GoBound for $6 per person.
