Trojans top rival Eagles in playoff semifinal
McCOOK, Neb. — What better time for Cambridge girls to bring their “A” games than Tuesday night’s playoff opener?
Coach Jared Albers certainly couldn’t complain following a 46-35 win over rival Southern Valley at the Peter & Dolores Graff Events Center.
The Trojans (18-5 record) took their first big step towards an obvious ultimate goal:
A third straight trip to Lincoln for state!
“I hate to say it, but I kind of feel this team just got through the season to get to this point,” Albers remarked following the C2-10 subdistrict semifinal win. “They were definitely ready tonight. Our seniors want the three straight state tournaments.”
Southern Valley (15-9 record) had won eight straight games this season until last week’s home loss to Dundy County-Stratton.
The Eagles didn’t recover enough Tuesday night.
They saw their season end on that same floor where Southern Valley celebrated RPAC basketball and volleyball titles in 2017-18.
“We had a good season, but it’s frustrating because we didn’t bring our best game tonight,” SV coach Jeff Ellis said. “We were a little flat, just like we were agains Dundy last week.”
Ellis’ team still only trailed 23-20 until Cambridge delivered three huge second-half punches.
The Trojans unleashed a 9-0 blast feauring Korynn Clason and Shaye Porter buring three-pointers.
They both scored a game-high 18 points to lead Cambridge.
The Eagles quickly cut that 32-20 margin to 32-26 on senior Cassie Bose’s triple.
Yet senior Bria Tomlin promptly rang the bell from long distance, and KateLynn Benson’s jumper made it 37-26 through three quarters.
Again, Bose brougth the Eages within 37-32 only to see Cambridge tally another six clinching points.
TROJANS (46) — Shaye Porter 18 points, Korynn Clason 18, Baylee Miller 4, Bria Tomlin 3, KateLynn Benson 2, Kati Moore 1. Three-pointers: Tomlin, Porter, Clason.
SV EAGLES (35) — Senior Cassie Bose’s 14 points led the Eagles with Janessa Kring adding eight.