Sioux City, Iowa — The #1 Western Christian Wolfpack and #13 Lawton-Bronson Eagles battled for a trip to State in a Girls 2A Region 1 final Monday night at the Soux City East High School Gym. Western Christian punched their ticket with a hard fought 76-64 win.
Each team would trade baskets throughout the opening period and at the end of one it was Western with the slight edge, 16-15. The back and forth would continue in the 2nd quarter and by the midway point, Western would lead 34-32. The third quarter would continue the tension felt in the first half. Andee Martin hit a last second 3-point shot from downtown to give the Eagles a 52-50 lead heading into the final 8 minutes. Western Christian would take the lead back midway through the 4th and get some breathing room with key 3-pointers. The Wolfpack would come away with the win 76-64.
Western had 4 players in double figures. Ashtyn Veerbeek lead the Wolfpack with a team high 22 points including 10 in the fourth quarter, Payton Harmsen came away with 15 points including a pair of corner threes, one from each side to jump start the fourth quarter run. Erica Bousema and Kaira Moss each added 13 each. The Eagles received a game high 26 points from Anna Dreessen.
Top ranked Western Christian improves to 22-2 heading into the State Tournament. #13 Lawton-Bronson finishes their year at 19-4. Western will open State Tournament play on Monday February 29th at 5:00pm. They draw 23-1 Central Decatur in the upper bracket quarterfinals.
