by Brian Turrel
The Schlagle Lady Stallions nailed down their fourth consecutive trip to the 5A state tournament, winning their substate final game 63-54 over the Spring Hill Lady Broncos Friday evening at Schlagle.
Junior guard Ishante Suttington was the offensive engine for Schlagle, using her quickness to repeatedly get to the rim off dribble penetration.
The Lady Stallions used perimeter ball movement to create defensive gaps, and even a small opening was enough for Suttington to drive through.
A highlight of the game was Suttington reaching 1,000 career points on a layup in the second quarter. Play was briefly stopped so the crowd could recognize the accomplishment.
The game was evenly matched through the first two quarters, with Spring Hill’s sharp inlet passes giving them opportunities near the basket. The halftime score was 24-22 in Schlagle’s favor.
In the third quarter, Schlagle started to anticipate the passes, creating several turnovers off tipped balls. Tylieea Wallace cashed in some of those turnovers, picking up four baskets in the quarter. The Lady Stallions ended the quarter up 45-37.
In the fourth quarter, Spring Hill created some turnovers of their own by putting in a trapping defense. Although it kept the game close, Schlagle was able to hold off the challenge. Suttington hit 6 of 10 free throws in the quarter to maintain the margin.
Suttington led all scorers with 34 points for the Lady Stallions. Wallace posted 10, all in the second half, and Camille Evans scored 8.
Schlagle will head to the 5A tournament in Emporia. First-round games for the state tournaments start Wednesday, but brackets have not yet been announced.
In other substate tournament news, Harmon boys defeated Shawnee Mission East 75-55 to advance to the 6A state tournament in Wichita.
Piper boys won their 4A final against Coffeyville’s Field Kindley High School 83-56. They’ll move on to the state tournament in Salina next week.
Bonner Springs boys defeated De Soto 72-60 in their 5A semi-final. They’ll play Spring Hill in the substate final at 6 p.m. Saturday.
Schlagle boys defeated Emporia 66-63 in their 5A semi-final. They’ll play at Pittsburg at 2 p.m. on Saturday in the final.
Washington boys defeated Blue Valley Southwest 42-41 in their 5A semi-final. They’ll play at home against St. James Academy in the final at 4 p.m. on Saturday.
Piper girls defeated Tonganoxie 82-14 in their 4A semi-final. They’ll play at home against Chanute in the final at 2 p.m. on Saturday.
Sumner girls lost their 5A final to Blue Valley Southwest 72-29.
Sumner boys lost their 5A semi-final to Basehor-Linwood 64-34.
