Big win sends unbeaten Tiger girls to state

AXTON, Neb. --Emotions were firing up even faster than different Dundy County-Stratton girls hit shots Saturday night.

When senior Hally Waters hit the final three of a 71-28 victory over D1 district finals foe Morrill, DC-S seniors could finally savor their amazing accomplishment of four straight state tournaments.

"It's a crazy feeling. We've been very blessed these last four years," senior Aubrey Frederick declared to media after the Tigers' 25th consecutive win.

Coach Nathan Behlke and his 25-0 team will take the No. 2 seed into Thursday's D-1 state opener against No. 7 Pender (18-8).

Tip time is 2 p.m. at Lincoln Southwest High School.

"This is our year. We are a team. We are a family. We don't care who scores," Frederick went on to say as little sister/sophomore Grace Frederick scored the team-high 14 points Saturday night. "It's just a lot of fun when we are going on all cylinders."

The Tigers took a little time to start roaring on Saturday, even falling behind 4-1 against familiar playoff foe Morrill.

Yet Aubrey Frederick's assist to Grace ignited a 9-0 run to make it 10-4 -- and yes -- these amazing Tigers never lost control again.

A 19-10 first quarter became 36-20 by halftime.

DC-S really finished the Lions with a 20-3 third quarter which made it 56-23.

Morrill's Jessica Harvey averaged 21 points per game but didn't reach 10 against DC-S.

"We were allowed to play, which is good because that's how it will be at state," senior Emily Jones said.

No fewer than 11 Tigers would hit shots during this district final game.

Senior Payton Zarkowski started both the second and third quarters with baskets as DC-S dominated both periods.

Senior Madison Lambley buried a three and scored off one "backdoor" play while totaling seven points.

Waters arrived for her memorable late shot, inspiring loud cheers from Tiger teammates.

Dawson Latta delivered the final DC-S basket.

Tiger scoring summary: Grace Frederick 14 points, Kami Porter 10, Payton Zarkowski 9, Aubrey Frederick 9, Emily Jones 7, Madison Lambley 7, Adalene Krutsinger 5, Hally Waters 3, Allie Behlke 3, Dawson Latta 2, Sable Lambley 2.