By JEREMY McGUIRE

TMP 51, Garden Plain 29

The TMP Lady Monarchs started Thursday’s 3A State Quarterfinal on a 6-0 run and would never trail in their 51-29 win over Garden Plain.  TMP would build their lead to 16-8 at the end of the first quarter after a Katelyn Zimmerman buzzer beater from the elbow.  The Lady Monarchs would extend the lead to double digits in the second quarter and led 29-18 at halftime.

Garden Plain would cut into the TMP lead in the third quarter and it was a single figure game, 33-25, midway through the period.  TMP would finish on an eight-nothing run to take a commanding 41-25 lead heading into the final quarter.  The Lady Owls knew they needed a strong start to the fourth quarter to give themselves a chance.

That strong quarter did not happen as the Lady Monarchs scored the first nine points of the quarter to complete a 17-0 run and give the Lady Monarchs a 50-25 lead.  Garden Plain could not solve the TMP defense throughout the game.  The Lady Monarchs used the full court press, half-court man to man and zone defense throughout the game to keep Garden Plain on their heels.

TMP improves to 22-2 on the season and have now won 20 consecutive games.  Kayla Vitztum was a bundle of energy all game long finishing with a game high 23 points and grabbing 14 rebounds.  Madyson Koerner added 13 for TMP and Zimmerman powered through with 11 points and 13 boards.  The Lady Monarchs will take on Silver Lake at 3pm on Friday in Hutchinson.  The undefeated Lady Eagles handled West Franklin 77-22 in their opener.

Rose McFarland Interview

Game Highlights