The Lady Blackhawks suffered a heart-breaker in the first game of the State B Tournament Thursday afternoon as Sully Buttes slid by them in a tight contest, 55-48, to send SC/W into the consolation bracket.
SC/W came out of the gates of the first contest of the B’s strong, leading throughout most the first quarter. But Sully Buttes held on, staying within two points at the end of one, 15-13.
Coming out on the court in the second quarter the Hawks had gained some confidence, and settled down into the high energy atmosphere. With 4:49 left in the second SC/W had stretched their lead to five at 23-18 and looked like they would continue to roll.
Overzealous refereeing, however, led to early foul trouble on both sides of the court, yet the Chargers were on the only side able to capitalize on it. From the four minute mark in the half, Sully Buttes went on a 14-point run, nine from free throws. SC/W could only muster another two points and the half-time buzzer rang with the Blackhawks down by seven, 25-32.
The Chargers came out of the locker room still on a roll and scored the first four points of the second half to spread their lead into the double figures. Sully Buttes maintained their lead through the third. The quarter ended with the Hawks under by 10, 33-43.
SC/W surged in the fourth quarter, fighting back with nine unanswered points, six from Shelby Selland, to bring the Hawks within three points with around five and a half minutes left.
After four quiet minutes on the Charger end, Sully Buttes took the lead back with a four-point run putting the score at 40-47.
But the Blackhawks weren’t about to quit and the arena rumbled when Morgan Selland hit a three to keep their hopes alive. That was followed up by a free-throw by Marissa Weber and a field goal by Shelby Selland to bring SC/W within two with just under 30 seconds to play.
The Chargers regained possession and looked to run the clock down in a stall, forcing the Hawks to foul and putting their opponent back on the line. Sully Buttes sank five of six free-throws, putting the game away and dashing the Hawks’ hopes of a state title.
The Blackhawks were led by Myah Selland with 13 points and Rachel Selland with 11 points and seven rebounds. Shelby Selland put up nine points and Marissa Weber had eight.
Sanborn Central Woonsocket went 14-of-28 from the field and 18-of-28 from the line. The Lady Hawks committed 23 turnovers in the loss to the Chargers’ 14.
Sully Buttes were given 40 free throw opportunities in the game, hitting 29 of them, which was key in their first half run and in locking up the win. The Chargers hit 12-of-34 from the field.
The Chargers were led by Remi Wientjes with 18 points to lead her team. The Chargers went onto a semi-final loss to top-seeded and eventual state champion Warner.
Tweet