OAKLEY – The TMP-Marian Lady Monarchs outscored Oakley 12-0 to start the fourth quarter and rallied from a second-half deficit to beat the Plainsman 50-44 Monday and advance to the 2A sub-state semifinals Thursday in Oakley.
Oakley jumped out to an early 4-0 but TMP coach Rose McFarland called an early timeout and that allowed the Monarchs to put together an 8-2 run to end the first quarter giving TMP the 8-6 lead.
In the second quarter Oakley retook the lead at 9-8 with just under seven and a half minutes left in the first half.
But just like in the first quarter, TMP had an answer. This time it was a 7-2 run highlighted by a Brynn Rebel three-pointer and a pair of Shalee Gottschalk layups putting TMP up 17-11.
Oakley’s Justice Booker answered right back scoring eight straight putting Oakley up at halftime 19-17.
Oakley also scored the first field goal of the second half after a TMP turnover making it a 10-0 run.
TMP then put together a 9-2 run of their own taking a brief 26-23 lead on a Shyanne Yost three-pointer but Oakley answered with a three on their next possession and built a 32-27 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
Brooke Koenigsman started the scoring in the fourth quarter with a three pointer, sparking a 12-0 run that was capped off by a Koenigsman three and layup putting TMP up 39-32.
Koenigsman scored her fourth three-pointer of night, part of her team-high 18 points as the Monarchs built a 42-34 lead with just over four minutes and 40 seconds left in the game.
Down the stretch the Monarchs struggled out the free throw line, going just 3-of-10 but they were able to secure the 50-44 victory.
The Monarchs will take on Smith Center Thursday in the sub-state semifinals after the Lady Red defeated Hill City 53-22.
The other two games in the 2A Oakley sub-state saw top-seed Hoxie defeat Plainville 70-18 and Ellis edged Trego in the four vs. five matchup.
TMP and Smith Center will play in the 6 p.m. game Thursday followed by Hoxie and Ellis.