Xavier looks to make up for championship game disappointment

Cedar Rapids Xavier looks to go one step further this week and win the class 3A state title after finishing second last season. The second-rated Saints got 16-points from Amanda Covington on seven of 11 shooting to down fifth ranked Norwalk 51-43 and earn a spot in Saturday night’s title game. She says the experience of being at state before helped them. A lay-up by Megan Boomgarden with 2-38 remaining snapped a 42-42 tie and gave the Saints the lead for good. Xavier coach Tom Lilly says they knew it was going to be a pressure filled game, and they’re elated to move on. Jill Martin led Norwalk with 19-points as the Warriors end the season 23-2. Norwalk coach Brent Walker says there are few tears, but he says they’re tears from the seniors knowing it’s the culmination of their carreers.Also in the 3A semis, Atlantic used another stellar defensive effort to down Pella 40-39. Atlatic coach Don Jenkins says they took away the stuff they wanted to take away.Jenkins says they needed the defensive effort because scoring was difficult all night.