Walnut Grove entered the Class 1 state semifinals as an underdog against one-loss Delta and its high-powered offense. Delta averaged 82.7 points per game on the year, which is a stark contrast to Walnut Grove’s 47.1 points per game average.
The Lady Tigers hung tough with Delta trailing by two at the half before falling 43-30. The 43 points were the second-lowest total for Delta this year. The Ladycats scored 42 in their lone loss of the year to Notre Dame (Cape Girardeau). No other program held Delta below 54 points.
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Delta jumped out to a 13-6 lead after one quarter, but the Lady Tigers fought back in the second quarter taking a 12-7 advantage in the frame to trail by two points. Out of the half, Delta outscored Walnut Grove 10-4 in the third quarter and 13-8 in the fourth to win 43-30.
Jacie Gavisk led Walnut Grove and all players with 13 points and 13 rebounds in the game. The Walnut Grove defense held Delta to just 29.2% shooting from the field and 18.5% (5-for-27) from three-point range.
Walnut Grove (23-8) will look to capture third place at the Show-Me Showdown for the third time in program history at 10 am on Saturday against Leeton. Walnut Grove has never finished fourth in 12 trips to the final four.
