Photo taken used with permission by Heidi Huwe

The Tri-Valley Mustangs and West Central Trojans met in a SoDak 16 qualifying game for the second year in a row on Thursday, February 24th.  Last season saw the Mustangs advance to the SoDak 16, but this year, West Central will be advancing after a 68-39 win at Harrisburg High School.

The atmosphere was electric, and the two teams put on a show in the first quarter.  After an early run by the Trojans, the Mustangs get settled into their offense.  Trailing 13-12, Tri-Valley went on an 8-0 run to finish the quarter capped off by a blocked shot by Paige Jewett and a half-court buzzer-beater by Lauren Grinde.  The Mustangs led 20-13 after the first quarter.

The West Central Trojan defense then locked down the Mustangs the remainder of the game.  West Central held Tri-Valley to just two points, a layup by Grinde that gave the Mustangs a 22-21 lead.  The Trojans finished the half on a 14-0 run to lead 35-22 at halftime.  West Central scored another 23 points in the third quarter while holding Tri-Valley to just six points, and the Trojans led 58-28 going into the final quarter.

The Mustangs shot 32% (15-47) from the field, 29% (6-21) from three-point area, and 3-4 from the free-throw line. Grinde finished with 18 points and five rebounds.  Mattie Huwe had six points.  Stephanie Buchmann added five points, two rebounds, and two steals.  Hillary Hastings had three points.  Jewett finished with two points, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals.  Ava Pearson added two points and six rebounds.

West Central finished the game shooting 41% (27-66) overall, 30% (9-30) from three-point area, and 50% (5-10) from the free-throw line.  Rylee Haldeman led all scorers with 26 points and also had six rebounds, five assists, and two steals.  Addy Kramer had 15 points, eight rebounds, and four assists.  Tabor Teel finished with 12 points, seven rebounds, and three steals.  Cambell Fischer added six points and four rebounds, and Grace Harden had five points, five rebounds, and three assists.

Tri-Valley’s season ends with an overall record of 12-10.  West Central (20-2) will advance to the SoDak 16 which will be held on Thursday, March 3rd.