The Salisbury and Westran girls notched victories in the Sturgeon Tournament semifinals Thursday.
Salisbury used a stifling man-to-man defensive effort in a 37-32 win over New Franklin. The Lady Panthers allowed the first bucket of the game but led 8-2 after one quarter and held on to a 14-10 advantage at half. A competitive third quarter ensued.
Salisbury never trailed after that point and led by at least three for all of the final quarter. 11-6 Salisbury was led by Tori Ricketts with 14 points. Camri Wekenborg had 10. Lily Chitwood scored a game-high 20 for 13-6 New Franklin.
The Westran girls had to hang on for a 42-35 win over Community after leading by 18 early in the fourth quarter.
Six points was as close as the Lady Trojans got. Westran trailed 11-9 after the first quarter and grabbed the lead for good in the second.
After allowing those 11 first quarter points, the Lady Hornets held Community to six points total over the next two. Emma Wortmann led a balanced scoring effort for 14-6 Westran with 11 points. Jaelyn Miller, Kharigan Fuemmeler and Kylee Hayes all ended with eight. 13-5 Community got 13 points from Aaliyah Welch.
It sets up a second matchup in as many weeks for the Salisbury and Westran girls, which Westran won 53-44 in overtime last Friday. Salisbury is seeking its fourth straight Sturgeon Tournament Championship.
Freeman Financial and Insurance Outstanding Players of the Game
Salisbury Girls- Camri Wekenborg
Westran Girls- Emma Wortmann
Salisbury girls coach Cloe Billington Postgame:
Westran girls coach Alex Thomas Postgame:
