(Axtell won 53-26 over Elyria Christian - box score) 

Making a trip to State for only the third time in school history the Axtell lady Eagles were in search of their first State win in school history in girls’ basketball and that they accomplished with an opening round win in Class 1A-Division II State tourney in Dodge City beating Elyria Christian 53-26. 

Axtell Eagles took flight early working to a 17-9 lead after just the first quarter and carried a double figure lead into halftime up 23-11. The leading continued to blossom for Axtell in the second half with a 16-8 third quarter and 14-7 fourth to secure the 53-26 win. 

The scoring of seniors, Kiersten Talbot and Courtney Heinen spear headed the Axtell Eagles success as Talbot posted 18 points and Heinen 16 points, despite being in foul trouble for Courtney. Talbot also checked the top player for Elyria Christian and kept her in check not allowing her to get into a groove as Rachel Adamyk scored 12 points for Elyria Christian. The 18 points and defensive performance by Talbot earned her Community National Bank "Player to Bank On" honors for the game on the radio, while five other gals scored for Axtell. 

Axtell finished the contest 11-14 from the free throw line, while shooting 43.3% from the floor in the win moving to 21-3 on the season and punching their ticket to the 1A-DII Semifinals. 

The Eagles are into the Semifinals on Friday at 3:00pm against Ingalls in Class 1A-DII at the United Wireless Arena in Dodge City. (the game will be on Sunny 101.3 FM - online)