By JEREMY McGUIRE

Girls:  TMP 60, Beloit 48

TMP found themselves in unfamiliar territory Saturday night when they trailed Beloit 12-5 late in the first quarter of the 3A Sub-State Championship in Norton.  The Lady Monarchs  received a lift from Madyson Koerner when she nailed two late threes to cut the gap to 12-11 heading into the second quarter.  TMP would take the lead late in the second quarter on a Melissa Pfeifer three and free throw.  The Lady Trojans answered with a three of their own to regain the lead.  Koerner would find herself open just before half and she hit her third three of the game to give the Lady Monarchs the 23-21 lead at halftime.

TMP roared out of the gates in the third quarter scoring 12 of the first 17 points.  After leading by five points, 28-23, the Lady Monarchs would not allow Beloit to get any closer.  TMP took a 38-30 lead into the fourth quarter.

In the fourth, the Lady Monarchs extended their lead to double figures at 45-34.  The largest lead for TMP was the 12 points when they reached the final score of 60-48.  Koerner led the way for TMP with 18 points, Kayla Vitztum 15, Megan Koenigsman added 12 and Pfiefer 9.

TMP has now won 19 games in a row and improves to 21-2 on the season and will travel to Hutchinson next week for the 3A State Tournament.  They will open up play on Thursday from the Sports Arena.

ROSE MCFARLAND INTERVIEW

GAME HIGHLIGHTS

Boys:  Norton 62, TMP 50

The third time was the charm for the Norton Bluejays as they took out TMP 62-50 in their 3A Sub-State Championship match-up.  Norton, who had lost to TMP twice this season, controlled the pace throughout the game. The Bluejays held an 11-10 advantage after the first quarter.  Tyus Henson paced the way in the second quarter by scoring 10 of his 15 points to help Norton to a 27-22 halftime lead.

TMP would mount a comeback in the third quarter, taking a 36-33 lead late.  Norton would score the final four points of the quarter to take a one point lead heading to the fourth quarter.  TMP would re-gain the lead with the first bucket of the fourth quarter.  That’s when things fell apart for the Monarchs.  Norton would score the next 10 points to take a commanding 47-38 lead, a lead they would not reliquish, picking up the 62-50 win.

With the loss TMP finishes their season at 19-4.  Jared Vitztum led the scoring for TMP with 15 points.

JOE HERTEL INTERVIEW

GAME HIGHLIGHTS