HUTCHINSON – The TMP-Marian Monarchs could not overcome a strong third quarter from Hesston as they come up short in the 3A state semifinals Friday afternoon at the Hutchinson Sports Arena.
The Monarchs (21-5) and the Hesston Swathers would go back-and-forth early in the first quarter with neither team able to build much of a lead. Down 14-11 TMP’s Gavin Unrein completed a three-point play tying the game at 14. Hesston led 16-14 through one quarter of action.
With TMP trailing by four to open the second quarter the Monarchs Lucas Lang scored eight straight and Jackson Schulte’s capped off a 10-0 run putting TMP up six at 24-18.
Hesston finished the first half on a 12-3 run taking a 30-27 lead into the halftime break.
Jackson Schulte scored eight straight to open the second half for TMP, part of 13 straight scored by Schulte going back to the second quarter, putting TMP up 35-32.
Hesston retook the lead at 44-37 thanks to a 12-2 run to end the third quarter.
In the fourth quarter the Monarchs were able to close within two and three points several times in the fourth quarter but never overcome the Swathers as they pick up the 64-55 win.
Jackson Schulte led two in double figures with 23 points and Lucas Lang added 14.
With no third-place game in 2021 the two teams that fell short in the state semifinals finish third.
Galena defeated Rock Creek in the final game of the day 48-41.