2017 Jeff West Girls Sub-State Champions (photo courtesy of Faith Becker)

For the third time this year it was a battle on the hardwood between the Jeff West and Holton girls but this time it was for the right to head to the Class 4A-Division II State tournament. Just like the previous two meetings it was a gritty contest and Jeff West earned the 56-48 win to go to State for the third time in school history and second time in the past three years.

Jeff West pounced early on Holton leading 20-11 after the first quarter but the Wildcats clawed right back posting a 14-6 second quarter to draw within one-point by halftime as the Tigers clung to a 26-25 lead. The difference in the second half came in the fourth quarter as Jeff West finished the game strong with a 20-12 fourth quarter and took the win over Holton by eight points.

In the loss Holton was led by Shay Tanking who scored 22 points going 6-6 from the free throw line, while Lauryn Moore chipped in nine points as Holton closed out their season with a 17-5 record.

Jeff West as led by a balanced scoring attack with Alyssa Garza leading the charge posting 18 points, while Mariah Murdie tallied 12 points, Aaliyah Negonsott scored 11 points and Tayler Metzger chipped nine points. The win pushes the Tigers to 18-4 on the season.

The season continues for the Big 7 League champs from Jeff West on Thursday, March 9th at the Class 4A-DII State Tournament in Emporia, Kansas at the White Auditorium and enter the tournament as the #3 seed set to play at 4:45pm against the #6 Larned (13-9). (Class 4A-DII Girls State Tournament bracket)  Live broadcast on KNZA 103.9 FM.