By Payton Hannah (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Walnut Grove added another chapter to their postseason legacy with a 48-42 win over Lockwood on Friday night.
The No. 6-ranked Class 1 powerhouse came out of the gate sharp, moving the ball with purpose and finding buckets on offense. Walnut Grove opened up a 12-0 scoring run that showcased the team’s depth. At one point during the surge, five different players scored in succession, capped by a three from Ashtyn Anderson. Walnut Grove was forceful on defense as well, with Sabrina Loehr anchoring the paint during the run, with a huge block that energized the crowd. Lockwood finally broke through with a basket from sophomore guard Asa Lasater, but Walnut Grove quickly answered with a deep three from Laramie Zibell to end the first period ahead 17-6.
Lockwood responded in the second period with early success on offense, with a three and a steal and score from Hadley Abbiatti. The momentum continued with Asa Lasater putting on a scoring clinic from all over the court, pulling Lockwood within four points. Walnut Grove regained momentum late in the half when Kolbi Albert converted a tough layup through contact for an and-1, sending Walnut Grove into halftime ahead 30-22.
Lockwood carried their late run into the start of the second half, with a Molly Hedeman layup assisted by a steal from Peyton Lasater. Lockwood was within striking distance as Asa Lasater continued her scoring dominance and was not showing any signs of slowing down. Walnut Grove answered with key plays from Sadie Loehr, who scored off her steal, and Ashtyn Anderson, who added a crafty euro step layup, helping Walnut Grove enter the fourth quarter in front 42-32.
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS OF THE GAME
Lockwood once again made a late push, with two big threes from Peyton Lasater cutting the deficit to four points. A scoring drought followed, with both teams tightening up on defense and making several crucial stops. Ultimately, Walnut Grove pulled away in the final minutes with clutch free throws from several players, securing the 48-42 win and claiming their 15th district title in the last 16 seasons.
“We had to be strong,” said Walnut Grove head coach Rory Henry. “We played a tough schedule and have been in some big moments this year. Our kids battled all game, and I’m really proud of their effort.”
When asked about the team’s mindset Sadie Loehr stated, “we have a great tradition here and we’ve done it before. We’re trying to keep the same mindset. We’ll celebrate this win, but we know we have to stay focused and be ready for what’s next.”
CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO OF THE GAME
Walnut Grove will now take on Exeter in the first round of the state playoffs on Monday.
Top Performers:
Walnut Grove: Sadie Loehr 11, Ashtyn Anderson 10, Maeli Holman 9
Lockwood: Asa Lasater 27, Peyton Lasater 8, Molly Hedeman 4
