Wolves’ rally nets Rasmussen 400th win

 MANNING (Dec. 3) -- Trailing throughout much of the game, the IKM-Manning girls emerged on top following a series of late lead changes Tuesday night and opened the season with a 70-66 Western Iowa Conference win over Underwood.
 The final outcome marked career win number 400 for Wolves’ head coach Gene Rasmussen, who is now 400-89 as he begins his 21st season. Rasmussen coached one year at Schaller-Crestland and has spent the last 20 at I-K-M and IKM-Manning, guiding the Hawks and Wolves to a combined eight state tournament appearances and two state titles.
 “I have been very fortunate to have been able to coach a lot of great people over the years, so this is really about them and their accomplishments,” stated Rasmussen. “I was really proud of the girls tonight in continuing to fight throughout the game."
 Junior guard Alexa Ahrenholtz poured in 28 points and senior Lexi Branning scored 25 for the Wolves in a contest featuring 62 total turnovers (IKM-M 30), 55 fouls (IKM-M 24) and 66 free throw attempts (IKM-M 23-for-37). Ahrenholtz hit 12-of-18 foul shots on the night and Branning was 7-of-11. Branning also pulled down 13 rebounds and had four steals while Ahrenholtz added six boards and five steals.
 Underwood (1-1 overall, 0-1 WIC) led 35-26 at halftime and remained on top until about midway through the fourth quarter. Kendra Kuck paced the Eagles with 16 points and Erin McMains had 13 points, eight assists and six steals.