Haven ends Scott City’s run

Hutchinson, Kan. (westernkansasnews.com)–The last two years have been a long tale of firsts for Scott City. The Lady Beavers were playing in their second-ever state tournament game, and the first time they’ve ever played in the Hutchinson Sports Arena. Haven made the 23-mile trip to Hutch in the first state tournament since 2016. Unfortunately for Scott City, they were never able to lead, as Haven raced out to an 8-1 lead and advanced to the Class 3A Semi-Finals with a 60-50 win over Scott City Thursday night.

Both teams were scoreless for the first two minutes, before Emmiley Hendrixon scored the first eight points for Haven in  to lead 8-1 with 4:16 remaining in the first quarter. Scott City was able to battle back, pulling to within 14-11 on a Bailey Latta three to end the first quarter. When Scott City used a 5-0 run to pull to within 19-17 with 5:06 remaining in the half, the Lady Wildcats closed out the half on a 13-5 run to take a 32-22 halftime lead.

After Haven (20-3) led 35-22 with 6:56 left in the third quarter, the Lady Beavers slowly chipped away at the deficit. The three’s were going down, and Scott City (19-4) pulled to within three at 42-39 with 1:31 left in the third quarter. After they got it back to within three late in the third quarter, a Lady Wildcat three doubled their lead to 47-41 heading into the fourth frame. When it looked like the Lady Beavers were down and out at 51-43 with five minutes left, they were able to get to within four on a pair of occasions, with the last at 52-48 with 2:09 left in the game. Scott City was able to get it to 54-50 with 1:29 left, but six Lady Wildcat free throws down the stretch would doom the Lady Beavers.

Emmiley Hendrixon, the Cloud County Thunderbird commit, led the way for the Lady Wildcats with 24 points. The 5-3 senior also grabbed 13 rebounds. Maguire Estill added 10 points off the bench, all in the first half. Haven shot 43% for the game at 18-42, and 21-28 from the foul line, and were 11-14 in the fourth period at the line. Scott City got 11 points apiece from Emily Smith, Emily Weathers and Macie Price. The Lady Beavers were 17-45 from the field and 12-19 at the free throw line. Haven dominated the glass 38-20 and had nine turnovers compared to eight for Scott City.

Scott City has dropped to 1-3 in state tournament games, and 1-1 in the state quarterfinals. They accomplished quite a bit this year, winning the Orange & Black for the first time in 1995, won a league title for the first time in a long time, made back to back sub-state finals for the first time ever to go along with their first-ever back to back state tournament appearances. They’ve also matched their win total at 19 for the first time since the 1994-95 season, and for just the third time in program history. Haven improves to 5-5 in state tournament games, as they won their first tournament game since 1975, had a three-game state tournament losing streak snapped.

Scott City will lose five seniors, Kaitlyn Roberts, Katie McGonagle, Bailey Latta, Emily Smith and Macie Price. Price was a part of the team over the past two years, and the other four stuck with the system, after going 3-18 three years ago.

Haven will take on Garden Plain Friday night at 6:30. The Lady Owls defeated Caney Valley 58-31. The first semi-final at 3 pm features Royal Valley and TMP Marian. Royal Valley upset league foe Nemaha Central 51-48, while TMP Marian knocked off Wellsville 55-40.

Coach Sarah McCormick Postgame