The class 4A quarterfinals are complete at the Girls’ State Basketball
Tournament. Linda Sayavongchanh (say-ay-vahn-chah) poured in 34-points as top ranked Des Moines Lincoln pulled away late for a 78-59 win over number-13 Sioux City
North. Both teams converted from the outset and the game was tied at 18 at
the end of one quarter. Sayavongchanh says it was evident at the beginning
That the Rails had their hands full.
Sioux City North coach Kirk Walker says despite their underdog status, the
players felt they had a chance. Walker says they knew going it that they had an opportunity to show they earned the right to be at state.
With four freshmen in the top eight, it would have been understandable if
fifth ranked Ankeny had a shaky start in a quarterfinal round game against Muscatine. But the fifth ranked Hawks scorched the nets for 59-percent shooting in the opening half in building a 32-13 lead in a 60-35 win over the fourth ranked Muskies. Ankeny coach Scott DeJong was surprised at the margin of victory. He says surprises often happen, and playing tough teams throughout the season has allowed them to pull together at tourney time.
Muscatine coach Jeff Tank says his team could not overcome a shaky start to
the game. He says they didn’t play well on defense. In the opening class 3A quarterfinal, second-ranked Cedar Rapids Xavier cruised to a 65-35 victory over LeMars. Xavier coach Tom Lilly was happy with the offensive production considering the Saints went the opening six minutes of the game without a basket. In the other 3A game Carroll downed West Delaware 65-52.
