After losing by one point in the 2012 state championship last March, Walnut Grove (28-2) is now only out for redemption. And the Lady Tigers did just that Saturday afternoon, as they rolled Drexel in the state quarterfinals, 64-45.
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“I’m just so excited and proud for our kids,” said Walnut Grove coach Rory Henry. “A lot has been said about motivation, we lost by one point last year, and these kids set a goal of trying to get back another shot at winning a state title.”
Walnut Grove jumped out early in the first quarter, leading 14-6 over the Drexel Lady Bobcats. In the second period, the Lady Tigers forced five turnovers in the final two minutes to extend their lead to 34-17 at the half.
A 20-9 third quarter run sparked Walnut Grove’s largest scoring success, as Audree Crain knocked down eight points in the period, finishing with a total of 15. The Lady Tigers then closed out the game in victorious fashion, defeating Drexel by a 19-point margin.
“We play up-tempo offensive with a strong and forceful defense. We didn’t shoot the ball particularly well tonight, but we relied on our defense all year, so we were able to still come away with the big win,” said Henry.
The Lady Tigers were led by the double-digit performance of Lexi Harmon, who tallied up 24 points to lead all scorers.
“Lexi has been consistent all year, and you always know what you can expect from her,” said Henry. “She hit some big shots for us tonight, and her strong defense led to those executed points. She shows up to play every night and that’s what we can expect from her.”
Walnut Grove squares up with Chadwick in the state semifinals in Columbia March 7 at 6:40 PM.
“Heading into the semifinals, we aren’t out to change our game plan. Initially, we want our opponents to adjust their strategy when they play us,” said Henry. “We are a second half team and that’s where most of our pressure is focused on. With that being said, it was a successful night for us.”
Walnut Grove:14-20-20-10 = 64
Drexel: 6-11-9-19 = 45
A 20-9 third quarter run sparked Walnut Grove’s largest scoring success, as Audree Crain knocked down eight points in the period, finishing with a total of 15. The Lady Tigers then closed out the game in victorious fashion, defeating Drexel by a 19-point margin.
“We play up-tempo offensive with a strong and forceful defense. We didn’t shoot the ball particularly well tonight, but we relied on our defense all year, so we were able to still come away with the big win,” said Henry.
The Lady Tigers were led by the double-digit performance of Lexi Harmon, who tallied up 24 points to lead all scorers.
“Lexi has been consistent all year, and you always know what you can expect from her,” said Henry. “She hit some big shots for us tonight, and her strong defense led to those executed points. She shows up to play every night and that’s what we can expect from her.”
Walnut Grove squares up with Chadwick in the state semifinals in Columbia March 7 at 6:40 PM.
“Heading into the semifinals, we aren’t out to change our game plan. Initially, we want our opponents to adjust their strategy when they play us,” said Henry. “We are a second half team and that’s where most of our pressure is focused on. With that being said, it was a successful night for us.”
Walnut Grove:14-20-20-10 = 64
Drexel: 6-11-9-19 = 45
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