Unbeatens advance in 2A tourney

A pair of unbeatens in class 2A advanced during the opening day of the girls state basketball tournament.Second ranked Tri-Center got 27-points from forward Wendy Ausdemore in a 61-49 win over Tipton.Tri-Center coach Derek Sonderland says he told his kids they had a chance to be a part of history by winning their school’s first ever tournament game. Sophomore guard Ashley Miller had 26-points for a Tipton team that was making its first appearance at the tournament. Miller says they were the underdogs with nothing to lose, and they just went out and played hard. North Butler pulled away from a two point halftime lead by outscoring Pella Christian 36-18 in the second half in a 52-32 win. North Butler coach Kevin Clipperton says they were more patient in the second half. Trailing 16-14 at the half, Pella Christian coach Verlan Nikkel says his team felt confident. He says they turned the ball over early and had to play from behind.Pella Christian ends the season with a record of 23-3.