George Iowa — Western Christian earned a spot in the Iowa State Girls Basketball Tournament Wednesday night with a 60-52 win over Central Lyon in a 2A Region Final decided at the George Little Rock High School Gym.
Western opened a 15-6 first quarter lead. An Olivia Granstra bucket as time expired gave Western a slim 27-25 halftime lead. The games turning point came in the third quarter after Central Lyon had charged back to take the lead. A three by the Wolfpack gave them back the lead.
That’s Western Head Coach Justin Negen. Central Lyon got within four points in the late stages and were forced to foul. Western was able to hit the free throws that eventually put the game away as they claimed a 60-52 win.
Negen felt the biggest key to his teams win was focus and senior leadership.
Olivia Granstra and Abby Postma had 15 points each. Madison Vis joined them in double figures with 10 points.Kiley Metzger led Central Lyon with 14 points. Hayden Heimensen hit for 12 before she fouled out with :13 seconds to play.
With the win Western Christian takes a 17-7 record into the State Tournament while Central Lyon ends the year at 18-6.
We also asked coach Negen about the prep schedule for the State Tournament.
Coach Negen’s comments came after Wednesday nights game. Western is the #6 seed in Class 2A and will open against #3 seed North Linn who comes in at 22-2. Tip off is set for Wednesday March 4th at 11:45 am.
