We started to put a lot of pressure on them defensively, which turned into offensive opportunities late.

We made our free throws late in the game and that was big.

Our goal coming over here was to just try and win. We didn't want to look past the game and look ahead to Dowling and let this one jump up and catch us. We could've been better in areas but we did what we had to do in the fourth quarter to win the game.

I told the kids in the locker room that no one person won this game for us; it was a great team effort. We knew that's what it would take to beat a team like Valley. It would have to be a team win, and that's what it was.

Ames-Valley is a great rivalry, so we know it's one game where we never have to worry about focus with the kids. The kids had great focus and executed the game plan, and we were able to take away a victory.

I told the kids that this is our conference championship.