Cimarron’s Comeback Falls Short; Council Grove Celebrates Big Tourney Win

Hutchinson, KS (westernkansasnews.com) In a day where the top seed Riley County was upset earlier in the day by eighth seeded Lyons, anything was possible.  Cimarron’s girls basketball team making their first appearance in the state tournament since 2008 lost to a team that had a longer drought at state than they did.  Council Grove built up a 13 point lead halfway through the first half in their first state appearance since 1993, allowed Cimarron back in the game with a 8-0 run to begin the second half and then beat the Blue Jays in overtime scoring the last five points to win 58-53.

Council Grove was led by their post player Kate Hula who finished with a double-double 16 points and 12 rebounds.   The game also became a  battle of rebounds.   Council Grove utilized their size to outrebounded Cimarron 41-28.  Despite their lack of success from outside at 3/29 Morgan Ediger’s only three pointer tied up the game at 47-47 with :50 left.  That basket eventually forced overtime.

Ediger finished with 22 points and seven rebounds. She picked up the slack for two of her teammates Ashtynn Burns the leading scorer on the team left after her final foul in the game’s final minutes.  Bu Depree also fouled out moments later.

In overtime, there were three different ties.  Cimarron missed on several rushed shots and Council Grove went to the line often going 18/25 for 72 percent while Cimarron took only 10 trips to the line nailing eight.

Council Grove (20-4) goes on to play second seeded Hesston in the state 3A semi-finals.  Hesston had no troubles with Douglass winning 58-34.  Lyons and Seneca-Nemaha Valley play in the other girls semifinal.      

Highlights from Cimarron-Council Grove