LINCOLN – Falls City Sacred Heart used an extended third-quarter run to pull away from upset-minded Sandhills/Thedford, advancing out of the Class D2 Girls State first round with a 45-27 win.
Sandhills/Thedford was making their fourth straight appearance at state, but entered this year’s tournament at 10-11. That didn’t stop them from hanging with the Irish early, leading for much of the 1st quarter and trailing by eight at the break.
But Falls City Sacred Heart’s defense limited the Knights to just two third quarter points, allowing them to pull away.
Sacred Heart will move on to face Hyannis in the semis on Friday. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. at Bob Devaney Sports Center and will air on 103.1 FM and B103.fm.
SANDHILLS/THEDFORD (10-12) – 9 8 2 8 – 27
FALL CITY SACRED HEART (25-1) – 14 11 12 8 – 45
SACRED HEART STATS: McKenzie Witt – 5 pts, Ahren Ebel – 6 pts, Sara Wertenberger – 4 pts, Lauren Parrish – 11 pts, Abby Fiegener – 11 pts, Randi Witt – 7 pts, Emily Wertenberger – 1 pt
SANDHILLS/THEDFORD STATS:
Jaylee Simonson – 2 pts, Elizabeth Peterson – 4 pts, Hannah Higgins – 6 pts, Marlee Taylor – 14 pts, Hannah Christie – 1 pt
Hyannis beats Wauneta-Palisade
Senior Audra Kippes scored 16 points and #5 Hyannis defeated #4 Wauneata-Palisade, 64-36, in the quarterfinals of the girls Class D2 Nebraska School Activities Association State Basketball Tournament at Lincoln North Star High School.
The Longhorns placed two other players in double figures. Senior Margaret Safarik scored 12 points off the bench and junior Britney Brosius added 11.
Wauneta-Palisade was led by senior Faith Simpson’s 21 points. The Broncos finish the season 16-8.
Hyannis improves to 21-2 and will square-off against #1 and defending champions Falls City Sacred Heart at 7 p.m. Friday. The semi-final match-up will be held at the Bob Devaney Sports Center and will air live on B103 (103.1 FM, ncnsportsnow.com).
#5 Hyannis vs. #1 Falls City Sacred Heart
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Bob Devaney Sports Center
Radio: 103.1 FM, b103.fm
