There will be a new champion in class 3A at the Girls’ State Basketball tournament. Pella opened the second half with a 17-2 run to take command in a 65-46 victory over Washington, which ended the Demons’ three-year reign as champion. Just to get to the tournament was an accomplishment for Washington, which closed the regular season with a ten and 11 record.
Washington guard Abby Gonshorowski says everyone doubted they would get back to state again. She was part of the three-year title run and says it was tough to see the season end with a loss, but she says a career has to end sometime. Pella and coach Mike Vint it was a satisfying win after getting to state three times before and losing in the first game each time.
Vint says his team got momentum with a quick start to the third quarter.
Lindsey Fischbach had 30-points as 8th ranked Carroll sidelined West Delaware 65-52. Carroll coach Don Oleson says their quickness won out over West Delaware’s size. He says his team played better defense.
Tonight the semifinal round begins in class 1A with two of last year’s champions matching up as two-time defending 1A champ Preston takes on last year’s 2A champion Rock Valley. Preston coach Alan Sparks says his team has battle injuries as of late and will be without one of their top scorers this week.
Top-ranked Hinton plays eighth ranked Tripoli in the other semifinal round game. Several of the Tripoli players have championship experience in another sport. The Panthers have won three straight volleyball titles and junior guard Jessica Stanek hopes they can grab another title this week.