AMES — The No. 15 (Class 5A) Ames girls used a strong shooting performance to distance themselves early from Fort Dodge on Tuesday, as the Little Cyclones posted a 78-31 victory.

Ames scored 47 first-half points in the rout, improving to 3-2 in the process after an 0-2 start. Sophomore Caroline Waite had 25 points and six steals for the Little Cyclones, who made 60 percent of their field goal attempts.

Junior Teagan Lipsey added 18 points, seven rebounds, five assists and four steals. Ames forced the Dodgers into a slew of turnovers with its pressure, recording 22 steals as a squad.

“The turnovers they created led to a flurry of open looks and points for them,” FDSH head coach Scott Messerly said. “We knew coming in they had some solid shooters and a strong post game. They got out on us early and we just couldn’t respond.”

Freshman Jalen Adams was the only Dodger to reach double figures with 11 points. Classmate Tory Bennett added six.

“Jalne gave us some really productive minutes, Tory fought hard, and (fellow freshman) Ellie (White) helped us out a lot. We weren’t able to get into any consistent rhythm; they’re a very good ballclub.”

Fort Dodge returns to action on Friday at home against No. 2 Waukee.

AMES 78, FORT DODGE 31

Ames — Carolina Waite 25, Teagan Lipsey 18, Brooke Spraggins 9, Alison Moore 7, Ashley Iiams 8, Katelyn Courtney 6, Madelyn Timmermans 4, Alison Moore 7, Mackenzie Carney 1.

Fort Dodge — Jalen Adams 11, Tory Bennett 6, Tristin Doster 4, Ellie White 4, Aleah Pommer 4, Rachel Sporrer 2.

Quarter scores: Ames led 24-5, 47-18, 70-22.