McPherson wins chance to defend state title
McPherson played their way into the 4A State girls semifinals by beating Paola 53,38. They will have a chance to defend last years' state title when the play against Ottawa Saturday.
Paola scored the first few points, but the Bullpups came back with a vegance. Katelyn Loecker got it done down low in the first half, while Haily Ruder and Abby Pedersen were hot from three. Combined they were 5/11 on the night.
McPherson had a 16-8 lead at halftime.
Things got a little scary for the Bullpups when senior Loeckler collided with a Paola player, near the end of the third quarter, diving for the ball. The senior's chin was bleeding, and she had to leave the game and go to the locker room.
The Panthers were able to get back in the game, going within four of the Bullpups. However, Loecker returned and continued dominating the paint to help McPherson pull away.
Loecker had a game-high 27 points. Fellow senior Hailey Ruder was also in double figures with 11 points.
Ottawa defeats Andale, Ojeleye breaks record
It was a good night to be an Ottawa fan. The Cyclones beat the Andale Indians 73-49, winning their fourth straight trip to the state title game.
They were lead by a great performance by Duke-bound senior Semi Ojeleye. He had 25 points at halftime alone. His 45 points beat a 2012 4A State single game scoring record from last year. Micah Swank of Pratt set it at 41 points. Ojeleye was 6-12 from behind the three-point line.
Two Andover players made it to double figures, freshman Bo Knoblauch with 13 and senior Ben Seiler with 10.
Highland Park runs over Abilene
The Abilene Cowboys just couldn't keep up with the speed of the Highland Park Scots who beat them 68-32.
The Scots were in control for the whole game leading 29-8 at half time. Shafee Carr lead Highland Park with 19 points. Jahmal McMurray had 13 and Jamon Fulton had 12.
It was a rough night for the Cowboys all around. Senior Andy Wilson left the game in the first half with an apparent injury. He had to be taken to the locker room and when he returned he was on crutches. Trevor Witt lead Abilene in scoring with 8 points.
Wamego wins over Ft. Scott
The first match up of the game was also one sided. Wamego defeated Ft. Scott 63-46. Kaylee Page led in scoring for the Red Raiders with 19 points. Lakyn Rowden was also in the double figures with 12 points.
Ft. Scott was lead in scoring by Ashley Cook who had 13.
