Holcomb Loses Tough Battle to Hillsboro

Hutchinson, Kan. (westernkansasnews.com)–The finale on Wednesday turned out to be a tight matchup between the Holcomb Lady Longhorns and the Hillsboro Lady Trojans. Playing in their second straight state tournament in school history, the Lady Longhorns were looking for their first-ever tournament win. Hillsboro scores the first eight points in the fourth quarter, and never look back, as they knocked off Holcomb 53-45.

The game would see the Lady Longhorns lead a majority of the way in a game that finished with four ties and six lead changes. Holcomb led 16-12 after one, and 24-22 at the break. After a Hillsboro basket early in the third quarter to tie the game at 24, Holcomb would go on a 7-0 run for their biggest lead of the night. An eight minute, 25 second field goal drought would prove to be huge down the stretch, as the Lady Trojans eventually built up a seven-point lead halfway through the fourth. Holcomb was only able to get to within three points on a pair of occasions the rest of the way, as Hillsboro advances to the semi-finals for the third straight year. The Lady Longhorns (19-5) got 14 from Katie Pfeifer and Taylor Deniston and 10 from Kyshia Prieto. Leading the way for the Lady Trojans (22-2) were Tena Loewen with 14, Addie Lackey with 13 and 10 points from Dana Binal. Hillsboro shot all of their free throws in the final period, finishing 14-of-16 from the line.

The Lady Trojans advance on to face undefeated Burlington Friday night, who held off Sabetha 48-46. Garden Plain thrashed Riley County in the first game of the day 57-34, and Russell surprised Caney Valley 50-42.