Lady Indians head to sub-state finals

BY NICK CORN

After earning a bye in the first round, the one-seeded Lady Indians took on the Lady Titans of Southern Coffey County Friday night in the semifinals of the Marmaton Valley bracket. St. Paul was tested, but left with a 52-41 victory and a shot at their third straight state tournament appearance.

Josie Albertini set St. Paul apart on the offensive end, as she scored 8 of the team’s 13 first-quarter points and 21 for the game to lead all scorers. The Lady Indian offense sputtered to halftime with a seven-point quarter, but held a 20-17 lead at the break.
Jordyn Tuck and Albertini spearheaded a rejuvenated offensive attack in the second half. Tuck knocked down a trio of threes and added a free throw for a 10-point third, and Albertini added seven. St. Paul’s defense stayed on par with the first half, and the Lady Indians held a 14-point lead by the end of three.

Behind Albertini’s 21 were 13 points from Tuck, and Chrisana Maurer added 9. With the win, the Lady Indians notched a spot in the sub-state championship Saturday at 6pm, where they will face a familiar Three Rivers League foe in Pleasanton. The Lady Blu-Jays reached the finals with a 60-54 victory over Flint Hills.

 

BOX SCORE

St. Paul 52, Southern Coffey County 41
1Q   2Q   3Q   4Q   FINAL
SPHS      13     7     20    12      52
SCC         9      8      9      15      41
Girard: Albertini 21, Tuck 13, Murphy 9, S. Rice 4, O’Brien 2, Winter 2, Hutcherson 1
3-PT FG: Albertini 3, Tuck 3