The last time the Ellis girls’ advanced to the state tournament they made it all the way to the state title game. For a while Wednesday night it looked as if they were on course to do that again. The Lady Railers raced out to an early seven-point lead, but Washington County came storming back with a 14-0 run and never trail again in their 64-44 win in the 2A state quarterfinals at Bramlage Coliseum in Manhattan.

Ellis shot just 34-percent for the game and was outrebounded by 17. The Tigers, who are making their first ever state tournament appearance, had 17 offensive rebounds in the game.

Brittney Dinkel led Ellis with 16 points as the the Lady Railers end their at 19-5.