HUTCHINSON - The TMP-Marian Monarchs couldn’t overcome a rough second half on offense as they fall 45-36 against Hesston in the 3A state semifinals.
The Swathers opened the game on a 13-2 to build their largest first half lead at 11.
After trailing by 10 at 15-5 Bryce Seib and Kenton Ginther combined to scored seven points in the closing minutes of the first quarter cutting the Hesston lead to 20-12 after the first quarter.
Jace Wentling scored back-to-back field goals to start the second half as the Monarchs outscored Hesston 9-0 and took a 21-20 lead at halftime on Kenton Ginther’s second 3-point field goal of the first half.
They extended the lead to 23-20 on a Seib field goal to open the second half but that was the only field goal the Monarchs could muster in the third quarter while Hesston finished the quarter on an 11-0 run.
Hesston scored the first four points of the quarter to extend the run to 15-0 with a 35-23 lead.
In the fourth quarter, TMP was able to close within six on a Gavin Unrein 3-pointer at 41-35 but the Swathers finished the game at the free throw line in a 45-36 victory. It’s their second straight win over TMP in the 3A state semifinals.
Kade Harris led TMP with 11 points.
The Monarchs will take on Southeast of Saline in the third place game Saturday at 12 p.m.