By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post Sports
SMITH CENTER – The TMP-Marian Lady Monarchs knocked down five first-half three-pointers and held off a late Smith Center rally as they advanced to the semifinals of the Mid-Continent League tournament Monday with a 47-31 win over the Lady Red in Smith Center.
Smith Center led early 6-5, but the Monarchs' Brynn Rebel hit one of four first-quarter three-pointers for the Monarchs, giving them an 8-6 lead.
The three sparked an 11-6 run to end the first quarter with TMP leading 19-12.
In the second quarter, TMP’s Hannah Rose scored and TMP closed out the second quarter and opened second half on an 11-2 run, building a 20-point lead at 41-21.
Smith Center outscored TMP to close out the third quarter and the fourth quarter by four as the Monarchs held on for the 47-31 victory.
Hannah Rose led all scorers with a career-high 22 points.
TMP will take on the Hoxie Indians in the semifinals Friday afternoon at 3 p.m. in Plainville. The Cardinals defeat Norton 56-40 on Monday night.
Oakley also advanced to the semifinals with a 76-33 win over Plainville. They will play the winner of Phillipsburg and Trego. Those two teams will play on Tuesday.
You can find the updated MCL tournament bracket HERE.