HAYS – The TMP-Marian Lady Monarchs shook off a slow start on their way to a 52-40 win over Rawlins County Tuesday in the first-round of the 2A Ellis sub-state.
TMP (15-8) struggled to start the game scoring just four first quarter points while turning it over nine time as Rawlins County built an 8-4 lead.
After falling behind by a game-high six points, at 10-4, to open the second quarter TMP was able to turn up the presser on the Buffaloes (13-8) forcing them into eight second quarter turnovers while the Monarchs outscored the Buffaloes 15-7 in the second quarter as Claire Schippers and Brooke Koenigsman hit back-to-back three pointers to close out the first half putting the Monarchs up 19-15 heading into halftime.
TMP’s Gracyn Shippers scored eight of her 12 points in the third quarter while the Monarchs held Rawlins County to just nine points building a 38-24 through three quarters.
The Monarchs extended their lead to a game-high 18 points in the fourth quarter, at 48-30, on back-to-back field goals from Jaci VonLintel and a Gracyn Schippers layup.
Rawlins County scored a late fury of field goals when the Monarchs took out their starters as the climbed within 12 at 52-40.
Jacin VonLintel scored a game-high 17 points and added 12 rebounds. Gracyn Schippers also scored in double-figures with 12 points.
TMP will take on the top-seed Smith Center in the first semifinal game at Ellis Friday at 6 p.m.