Perry, Kansas

In a similar situation as a year ago, the Royal Valley Panthers are looking to again make a magical run into the class 3A state tournament in Hutchinson. On the agenda Thursday night was to knock off the #2 seeded Wellsville Eagles with super scoring threat Demi Aamold. Ammold came into the game averaging 20 points per game, but found out how teams from the Big 7 league loves to play defense as she struggled from the field finishing the night with 16 points and only 5 at the halftime break. The Panthers tight on the ball pressure forced 16 Wellsville turnovers and Royal Valley got the job done claiming victory 61-48.

Right as soon as Royal Valley won the opening tip, the Panthers fans were given something to cheer about as Sophomore Guard Mahpiya Irving drilled a deep trey to get the game going. She would hit two more triples in the games first 4 minutes to propel the Panthers to a lead of 13-5. Royal Valley would grow that lead at he end of the first quarter to 22-11 and maintain an eleven point lead heading into the 4th quarter, leading 48-37. When Wellsville made a final attempt to get back into the game, Royal Valley's Wakiyan Irving scored all 9 of her points to push the lead back to double figures and propel the Panthers to Saturday night's Championship game

The Panthers hit 6 triples and went 8 for 8 from the free throw line and forced those 16 turnovers, a state line that 2nd year head coach Kyle Porter would be pleased with. Mary Broxterman was business as usual as the 6' Senior Forward dominated the glass and continued to play at an all-state level with yet another double double performance with 19 points and 12 rebounds.

Royal Valley will now move on to the Sub State Championship game this Saturday night in Perry where they will face off against the Jeff West Tigers for the third time this year. The Panthers defended home court back in December 46-34 and The Tigers returned the favor on February 5th defeating Royal Valley 39-31 in Meriden. The rubber match between these schools will tip off at 6:00PM Saturday as they square off for a spot in the Hutchinson Sports Arena at the 3A State Tournament next week.

Scoring

Royal Valley – M. Broxterman – 19, Mah. Irving – 18, K. Thomas – 13, Wak. Irving – 9, E. Albright - 2

                              1     2     3     4    F  

    #2 Wellsville – 11 | 14 | 12 | 11 | 48

#3 Royal Valley - 22 | 14 | 12 | 13 | 61