By Matt Turer — @MattTurer (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Springfield, MO. — Two state championships and the fifth-longest win streak in state history couldn’t outshine the importance of these Pink and White semifinals for Strafford.
Knowing what stood on the other side—Branson and Priscilla Williams—certainly helped that focus.
“I was looking around and there was a lot of people out there and I looked down the bench and said, ‘This is what we work for. These big games,’” Strafford’s Hayley Frank said. “And fortunately we stepped up and played like we usually do in big games.”
Frank finished with 32 points and 10 boards, Zoey Mullings added 14 points and Maddison Chittenden 10 in Strafford’s 69-50 final over Branson (8-2), putting the Indians (11-0) in the Pink Bracket championship for the second consecutive season.
Williams added 29 for Branson but was the only Pirate able to get anything significant going on the offensive end.
In fact, Williams was responsible for all Branson’s field goals before Gracie Jaeger converted in the final minute of the first half.
“We kept trying to switch up and keep somebody fresh on her every couple minutes,” Strafford coach Steve Frank said. “She’s a heck of a player and you’ve got to give credit when credit is due. But I thought we did as much as could do defensively. You’ve just got to hold on and hope.”
Kayley Frank started the game guarding Williams, just like in the 2017 state championship when she began that game on Whitfield star Aijha Blackwell. Just like in that game, Strafford kept fresh bodies on Williams throughout.
“That frustrated [Blackwell] and put her out of her element and that was our gameplan today,” Frank said. “Not be dirty but be physical with her and try to get under her skin a little bit, and that’s what we did.”
While it didn’t get in Williams’ head like it did Blackwell’s, Strafford held Branson to six points in the second quarter and led 37-16 at the half.
“I knew she was going to be quicker than me so I just tried to contain and keep my hand over the ball,” Kayley Frank said. “I knew the rest of the team had my help.”
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THE GAME TURNED WHEN
Hayley Frank found space in the second quarter and connected on a trio of 3s after being held to two first-quarter points. Frank finished with 12 points in the second quarter as Strafford’s lead ballooned from four points to 21.
“They started in a triangle,” Hayley Frank said. “They were just matched up to me and Maddison. The rest of the team hit some big shots and then they had to pull out of that, which opened things up for me.”
Mullings kept Strafford on top early with seven first-quarter points while Frank was silent.
Strafford finished with eight 3s in the first half and 10 for the game.
“They shot the ball really, really well,” Branson coach Kip Bough said. “You can’t guard them all. You know [Hayley] Frank’s a shooter. You know Chittenden’s a shooter. You know Mullings can shoot. It’s one of those games where you just tip your hat.”
FINDING THEMSELVES
Branson continues to work towards the chemistry it lost last season with the graduation of five key seniors, and the Pirates showed progress there in the second half when they outscored Strafford 34-32.
“Priscilla just came in here,” Bough said. “Didn’t even play with us in the summer. I lost five seniors who were major contributors. What we’re trying to do is re-create a chemistry from November that they’ve had for a couple years. The more we play together, the better we will get.”
The Pirates were often hesitant to shoot in the first half, but the second half saw Britton Ellis, Lauren Garrison and Karis Goodwin convert on two field goals each.
“I told them at half [to shoot],” Bough said. “Lauren is a good player. I told Karis that you didn’t shoot 500 shots a day in the summer to come out and stare at the basket, and she comes out and hits two 3s. I think that’s part of the learning process they’re going through from Amanda Kearney to Priscilla.”
GOING STREAKING
Strafford is now tied with Jefferson (Festus) for the fifth-longest win streak in state history at 60 games. Jefferson’s streak took place from 1988 to 1990.
Next on the list is Northwestern’s (Mendon) 67-game streak (1955-1958).
KEEPING EYES ON HER
Missouri head women’s coach Robin Pingeton was in attendance and was spotted talking to Bough. Hayley Frank has already committed to Mizzou.
GIVE ME TWO
Strafford can win its second straight Pink and White championship with a win in Friday’s 4:30 pm title game.
The Indians beat nationally ranked Mercer County 76-75 in overtime in last year’s championship.
“It means a lot,” Hayley Frank said. “This is a really big tournament. Last year the Mercer County game was up there right even with the state championship game, so it’ll feel really good if we can walk out of here with one more win tomorrow.”
FINAL
Branson 10-6-20-14 — 50
Strafford 14-23-20-12 — 69
SCORING LEADERS
Branson: Priscilla Williams 29, Karis Goodwin 6, Lauren Garrison 6, Britton Ellis 5, Gracie Jaeger 2
Strafford: Hayley Frank 34, Zoey Mullings 14, Madison Chittenden 10, Mica Chadwell 4, Kayley Frank 4, Logan Jones 3
