Both Axtell and the Blue Valley Girls made history for the first time in a while, for their programs were featured in the final four of the TVL tournament, having not been since 2015 for the Lady Eagles of Axtell. Blue Valley took most of the opportunities and narrowly squeezed out the third-place match victory over Axtell, despite almost giving the game away in the final moments. 

Blue Valley came out up 19-10 after the first quarter with impressive performances by the Brockman sisters. Brynlyn finished with seven points, Bralynn had two, and Bryleigh had two boards. Axtell did his two threes in the first quarter, with one from Ava Broxterman and another from Natalee Strathman. 

Axtell bounced back in the second quarter, outscoring Blue Valley 10-3 in the second. Katelyn Detweiler really got her impressive performance in the game going in the second with six points, five rebounds, and two steals. Strathman added four points herself in the quarter as well. Blue Valley led 22-20 by the end of the first half.

Axtell would outscore Blue Valley 24-23 in the second half, coming up short by just one point in the end, losing 45-44. The most unfortunate part is that Axtell had some opportunities in the final minute to at least try to get a shot up to take the lead, but couldn’t capitalize. 

Despite the loss, Katelyn Detweiler finished with 21 points and 18 rebounds with five steals for Axtell. Detweiler had one of the most impressive tournament performances for an individual player, finishing with 68 points in her four games, over 20 steals, and well over 30 rebounds. 

The Axtell girls are still on one of their best seasons since 2015, with an 11-4 record. Coming off a nine-game winning streak with back-to-back losses, they will look to refocus and bounce back in the second part of the season. Blue Valley is looking for its first winning season since 2019 and is now 10-5 after the third-place match victory.

Thank you to all of our sponsors who make this TVL tournament coverage possible!

M & R Auto Parts

Blue Valley Technologies

Koch & Company

Wanklyn Oil Company

Elmers Repair

First National Bank Frankfort

Highland Community College

SBS Insurance

Bendena State Bank & The Bank of Highland

Bruna Implement

B & D Buildings Onaga Pharmacy

Helena Agri Enterprises

Community Healthcare System

Farmers State Bank Onaga

Hiawatha IMprement

Midwest Crop Insurance-Seneca

First Heritage Bank