HUTCHINSON – Fresh off their best offensive performance of the season the night before the TMP-Marian Monarchs struggled Friday night in a 62-50 loss to Girard in the 3A state semifinals at the Hutchinson Sports Arena.

Bill Meagher postgame interview

The Monarchs opened up the game on a 7-2 run sparked by a Jackson Schulte three pointer and it appeared that the Monarchs would follow up Thursday’s hot shooting with another impressive performance but unfortunately the Monarchs would only hit two more three’s as they shot just 3-16 from three for 19%.

Even as the shooting woes continued the Monarchs were able to go step-for-step with the Trojans.

Girard used a 10-3 first quarter run to build a 15-12 lead after the first quarter.

The Trojans were able to build a five point lead a couple of times midway through the second quarter but Grant Ginther and Jackson Schulte completed a pair of three-point plays that cut the Trojans lead to 29-28 at the break.

With 6:00 left in the third quarter the Monarchs had closed within two at 34-32 only to see Girard outscore the Monarchs 12-3 to end the quarter and take a 48-37 lead into the fourth.

Girard was able to maintain the double-figure lead the rest of the way as they picked up the 62-50 win.

Jackson Schulte led the Monarchs with 13 points and Jared Mayers chipped in 11.

Game highlights

The loss drops TMP to 14-12 and they will take on Perry-Lecompton in the third place game Saturday.

Girard will face off with Beloit in the championship game.