The Mount Vernon Girls’ Basketball team placed second in the State Basketball Tournament for Class 3A schools. The girls bested Cherokee Washington 55-44 in the first round of the tournament and Wahlert Catholic 53-49 to advance to the championship match.

Maquoketa, winning their first ever girls’ basketball championship trophy, clawed victory away from the Mustangs hoping for a repeat state title this year 59-42. For the full story on the game, check out page 8.

On Friday, the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union named Robin Brand the Character Counts Coach of the Year at the basketball tournament, with her family accepting the award on her behalf.

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Abby Princehouse

The Mount Vernon girls’ basketball team placed second overall. Members of the team include: Alivia Truitt (No. 3), Quinn Pershing (No. 4), Lucy Wischmeyer (No. 5), Savanna Wright (No. 10), Taylor Franck (No. 11), Ella Wilson (No. 14), Sorell Telecky (No. 20), Sophia Meester (No. 21), Courtney Franck (No. 22), Kinley Nissen (No. 23), Rylee Rasmussen (No. 24), Skyler Pasker (No. 25). Coaches include Jacob Misener and assistant Lindsay Knake.