The St Mary Cardinals overcame a slow start and defeated the Chester Flyers 52-47 in their Region 3B opener on Tuesday, February 25th.
Chester built a double-digit lead in the first quarter, 18-8. They continued to lead by 10 points, 20-10, with 3:30 to play in the second quarter. St Mary then put together a 16-2 run to go ahead 26-22 by halftime. The Flyers tied the score 32-32 early in the third quarter, but the Cardinals ended the third leading 43-35. St Mary was able to hold off a late rally by Chester to advance in the tournament.
The Cardinals shot 35% (19-55) overall in the game, just 1-13 on three-point shots, and 81% (13-16) from the free-throw line. Chester shot 38% (18-48) overall, 30% (6-20) from three-point area, and 5-9 from the free-throw line.
Maddyn LeBrun finished with 19 points and seven rebounds. Madala Hanson ended with 13 points, five rebounds, five assists, and four steals. Brianna Griffin added 11 points and six rebounds. Jenna Miller had nine points.
