By NICHOLAS KIMBALL and DELBERT PETERS

Staff writers

Hillsboro easily defeated visiting Marion 52-17 in the first round Monday in the class 2A sub-state tournament.

“We were able to control the tempo and be consistent on both ends of the court,” Hillsboro coach Micah Ratzlaff said.

Trojan Savannah Shahan scored her 1,000th career point just a couple days after teammate Zaylee Werth scored her 1,000th career point.

“Those two have been a dominant duo for the past four years. A great accomplishment for those two. I’m glad I got the chance to coach them the last two years,” Ratzlaff said.

For the Warriors, Kenna Wesner led her team with nine points and six rebounds, followed by Grace Hett with four points.

“I thought we came out in the first half and played tough and gritty basketball against a very solid team,” Marion coach Jason Hett said. “For the first 16 minutes I thought we defended them well and worked really hard. We just could not get enough shot attempts or shots to fall.”

“I am proud of the work this team did this year, and they improved and made great strides this season.”

Even though eliminated, Marion will play host to the remaining 2A sub-state games Thursday through Saturday. Hillsboro will be competing there 7:30 p.m. Thursday against Inman.

Goessel

Pressure defense by the Bluebirds propelled them to easy baskets as Goessel rumbled to a 60-23 victory over Solomon in the first round of the class 1A sub-state tournament Friday.

The Gorillas led 8-5 halfway through the first quarter, but Goessel’s trapping defense soon led to eight unanswered points, and Goessel took the lead for good.

After getting a rebound or turnover, Goessel looked down court for a fast break. Abbigail Funk connected on 13 points in the second quarter. Goessel dominated the quarter, 25-2.

With the game in hand, the offense slowed in the second half.

In the fourth period, long-range shots from Aimee Funk, Cheyenne Sawyer, and Logan Bryant sent the game into ‘running clock mode.

Four girls hit double digits in scoring for Goessel with Abbigail Funk and Cheyenne Sawyer each hitting 16; Greta Scholle, 11; and Aimee Funk 10.

Goessel (15-6) will play Friday against Sylvan-Lucas (16-4) in 6 p.m. semifinal game of the Solomon sub-state.

Centre

Centre was unable to advance in the 1A Division II sub-state Friday, losing 48-19 to Hartford.

Olivia Carlson led the team with seven points, followed by Jenna Bittle with five and Allie Stuchlik with four. Jenaya Plett scored three.

Five seniors played their last game Friday: Bittle, Sophia Luna, Plett, Emilee Remmers, and Stucklik.

“In addition, our one foreign exchange student, Jimena Sanchez, will return home to Spain, leaving us only four players to return to the squad next season,” Stahlecker said. “This team played hard throughout most every game, a feat that I am pleased with. Many times it would have been easy to give up, but they continued to give it their best.”

Peabody-Burns

The Warriors ended their season Friday at Elyria Christian on Friday, losing 60-6 in the first round of the 1A Division II sub-state tournament.

Brooklynn Whiteside, Adyson Winter scored two, and Sarah Winfrey each scored two points.

“Friday’s game was very difficult,” coach Thomas Spencer said.

The Warriors did improve over a previous game against Elyria.

“We doubled our score against them. We took more shots and didn’t turn the ball over as much. Defensively we did better as well even though the score was more than last game,” Spencer said. “Our team improved all season long. They grew as a team and as players. I am proud of these girls.”