Lady Trojans advance, tame Wildcats
Girard Lady Trojans hold off late charge by Burlington to advance to semi-finals at 4A Division II state tournament
BY BJ HARRIS
The Girard Lady Trojans (21-2) held off the pesky Burlington Lady Wildcats (17-6) Wednesday afternoon, advancing to the semi-finals of the KSHSAA 4A Division II State Tournament with a 49-41 win.
PHOTO BY SABRINA AUGUSTIN
An early lead and first half momentum by Girard dwindled in the fourth quarter as the Lady Trojans had to hold on for the victory. The tense moments late in the game were evident on the faces of the strong contingent of Trojan fans that made the trip to Emporia.
The Trojans took advantage early of an aggressive press by the Wildcats to get high percentage shots, building a nine point, 16-7 lead after one quarter of play.
In the second quarter Girard continued to extend their lead, going up fifteen points with less than three minutes to play in the first half. The Lady Trojans took a twelve point lead, 29-17 into the locker room.
Olivia Hanson fights for a loose ball vs. Burlington. Hanson had 10 points in the 49-41 Class 4A-II state victory. PHOTO BY SABRINA AUGUSTIN
“I thought we did a nice job establishing ourselves in that first half,” said Head Coach Brad Herlocker. “Calea (Augustin) hit some big shots, she and Olivia (Hanson) did a nice job of rebounding at both ends.”
After maintaining a twelve point lead through three quarters, things got interesting for the Trojans. The early defensive pressure by Burlington took a toll on Girard and it showed in the fourth quarter, finishing without a field goal in the period. A twelve point lead shrunk to five midway through the fourth. However, Girard was able to hit 10 of 15 free throws, including 5 of 6 from Calea Augustin, to seal the 49-41 victory.
The late run by Burlington was led by Junior, Riley Hess, who also led the Wildcats with 18 points,
Calea Augustin led the Lady Trojans with 15 points and hit some crucial free throws late in the game, helping the Lady Trojans advance to the state semi-finals. PHOTO BY SABRINA AUGUSTIN
including 11 in the second half.
Augustin led the Trojans with 15, Hanson added 10, Sydnee Crain overcame a 1 of 7 day from the field to hit 7 of 9 free throws and Ashely Ray complimented her superb defensive effort with 8 points on the offensive end.
Despite the rough fourth quarter, Herlocker was thrilled how his team began the game, “If the girls execute like they did in the first half today, anything is possible.”
With the win the Lady Trojans advance to take on the number three-seed, Topeka Hayden (20-3), on Friday afternoon at 3 p.m. at White Auditorium in Emporia.
Hayden advanced to the semi-finals by knocking off Haven 55-35 in the first round.
OFFICIAL STATS BELOW
