ELLIS – The Smith Center Lady Red got just enough timely shooting and held off the TMP Lady Monarchs Thursday 50-45 in the 2A Ellis sub-state semifinals games at Ellis High School.
The Monarchs took an early three-point lead thanks to a three-point play for Jaci VonLintel who finished with a team-high 17 points.
The Lady Red answered the TMP 3-0 lead with an eight three run that tied the game at eight. Freshman Claire Schippers scored five straight for TMP for the eight-all tie.
Smith Center built an 11-10 lead heading into the second quarter.
In the second quarter TMP took their largest lead of the first half at 15-12 to start the quarter, but again Smith Center had an answer with a 12-6 run taking a 24-21 lead at halftime.
In the third quarter Smith Center led by as many as eight in the third quarter before TMP pulled within five at the end of the third at 37-32 on a Schippers three-pointer.
TMP outscored Smith Center 10-5 to open the fourth quarter tying the game at 42 with 1:20 to play but Smith Center to take the lead on the next possession and outscored TMP 8-2 in the final minute on their to a 50-45 victory.
Jaci VonLintel led TMP with 17 points and 13 rebounds for her 11th double-double of the season. Claire Schippers matched her career-high with 12 points and Gracyn Schippers added 10 points.
TMP finished the season 15-8 and 8-3 in the MIAA.