The West Central Trojan girls advanced to the SoDak 16 with a 57-45 win over the Tri-Valley Mustangs in Hartford on Thursday, February 26th. West Central used a run in the middle of the second half to help them to the win.
The Trojans started the game on a 9-0 run and held a 10-point lead, 19-9, at the end of the first quarter. The Mustangs were able to chip away at the lead in the second quarter and cut it in half. West Central led 29-24 at halftime. Tri-Valley scored the first three points of the third quarter to pull within two points, 29-27.
The Mustangs were within three points, 34-31, with 4:30 to play in the third quarter. Tri-Valley then hit a rough seven minutes. West Central finished the quarter on an 11-1 run for a 45-32 lead going into the fourth quarter. The Trojans continued the run into the fourth quarter and scored the first nine points for a 54-32 lead with 5:15 to go in the game. The Mustangs finished the game on a 13-3 run, but the deficit was too large to overcome
West Central was 45% (20-44) from the field in the game, 38% (6-16) on three-point attempts, and 65% (11-17) from the free-throw line. Tri-Valley shot 33% (15-46) overall, 30% (7-23) from three-point area, and 67% (8-12) from the free-throw line.
Kacey Jaton had 16 points, eight rebounds, and two steals. Mackenzie Skonhovd finished with 15 points, six rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Ellie Knight added nine points, four assists, three rebounds, and three steals. Kaylie Schultz ended with seven points and two rebounds. Ayla Kramer had six points, eight rebounds, and four assists.
