Lady Indians defeat Spartans

By: Aaron Pyle

After receiving a first-round bye, the Lady Indians were back in action Thursday, Feb. 22 against the Cedar Vale/Dexter Spartans (4-14, 2-10).

St. Paul (14-4, 9-0) defeated the Altoona-Midway Jets 72-53 in their previous matchup, Feb. 19, sealing their undefeated regular season league record.

Thursday, in semifinal action, the Lady Indians defense came ready to play as the Spartans had troubles all night getting the basketball in the rim.

Freshman Emerald Struthers made a major impact in the first-half providing 8 points for the Lady Indians red-hot offense. Marking one of their highest scoring halves, the Spartans had no response as the St. Paul led 31-10 at halftime.

In the second half, the Lady Indians continue to stay unconscious offensively as their already large lead grew even further. Freshman Claire Bradshaw went off in the second half for the Lady Indians scoring 12 points providing a major chunk of offense.

The lead would grow to become too much for Cedar Vale/Dexter as St. Paul went on to win easily, 60-28.

Bradshaw led all scorers with 18 points on the night. Struthers made a significant impact as well as scoring 10 points for the Lady Indians.

St. Paul (15-4, 9-0) moves onto the championship match Saturday, Feb. 23 at 6 where they will face the Sedan Devils (9-11, 4-5). The championship is set to be held in Chetopa.