by Brian Turrel
The Sumner Lady Sabres took possession of the 2018 Kansas City – Atchison League championship with a 64-57 win at Schlagle High School on Friday evening.
Sumner held an early lead, tallying the first 9 points and up 14-8 after the first quarter. The Lady Sabres got defensive stops by denying entry passes to the Schlagle offense, and they picked up open shots in transition.
In the second quarter, Schlagle sophomore Ishante Suttington fired up the offense by repeatedly getting to the rim with her dribble. In transition off missed Sumner shots, Suttington was difficult to stop at full speed. Sumner hit only 1 of 10 second-quarter free throws to let Schlagle close within 1 point by halftime.
Schlagle continued to rely on dribble penetration in the second half, finding little success in outside shooting or entry passes inside. Sumner got the outside shots in the third quarter, picking up two three-pointers and three straight free throws by Olivia Garvin. Sumner ended the third quarter up 51-38.
Sumner spent much of the fourth quarter at the line as Schlagle fouled to extend the game. The tactic helped to narrow the gap as Sumner continued to struggle at the line. Schlagle’s Kenaja Green hit three baskets in the quarter, but the Lady Stallions were still down by 7 when the final buzzer sounded.
Sumner’s Mya Allen led her team in scoring with 23 points and a strong inside presence. Garvin added 12 points and Elizabeth Vaughn 10. Sumner left points at the free throw line, hitting 16 of 40 for the game. For Schlagle, Suttington led the way with 30 points, and Camille Evans scored 13.
Sumner ends the conference season undefeated at 10-0 to win the conference crown. The Lady Sabres’ overall season record is 12-5. Schlagle ends the season 8-2 in conference, both losses to the Lady Sabres. Both teams will participate in KSHSAA post-season play next weekend, and final brackets and schedules will be announced soon.
