By JEREMY McGUIRE
Hays Post

Royal Valley 54, TMP 52 OT

HUTCHINSON, Kan.-Offense was at a premium on Friday afternoon in the girl’s 3A State Tournament Semifinal in Hutchinson. TMP and Royal Valley struggled to make shots in the first half. The Lady Monarchs led 10-7 after the first quarter of play. Royal Valley scored the first seven points on the second quarter and led 14-10 late before a four point run by TMP tied the game at 14 points apiece at halftime.

The second half continued with both teams going back and forth at each other with intense defensive pressure. TMP took a three point lead heading into the fourth quarter after an Aubrey Koenigsman three pointer. She was fouled on the shot but was not able to complete the four point play.

TMP would hold a slight advantage most of the fourth quarter. The Lady Monarchs led by five points with under a minute to play as Royal Valley drilled a late three pointer to send the game to overtime. The Lady Panthers banked in a guarded three to take a three point advantage early in the overtime and TMP was not able to overcome the deficit in the 54-52 overtime loss.

Royal Valley improves to 17-7 on the season and will play for the state title tomorrow. TMP drops to 22-3 and will play the consolation final at noon on Saturday.

ROSE MCFARLAND INTERVIEW

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