Wallace ends their season in subdistricts

by Diane Stamm

Grant tribune-sentinel

Basketball season came to an end last week for the Wallace girls.

The Wildcats won last Monday’s play in game over Dundy County Stratton, but lost to top seeded Wauneta-Palisade the following night.

Second seeded Medicine Valley ended up the subdistrict’s winner and the Raiders will play Shelton, the overall two seed, in the D2-2 district final Friday in Shelton.

The Wildcats had lost to DCS twice since the first of the year and trailed 8-11 at the end of the first quarter. Karlie Finley and Kaley Sauser made Wallace’s four first half field goals. Although DCS made seven buckets in the first half, Wallace didn’t allow any free throws while making 3-6 to leave the Wildcats in striking distance, 12-15, at halftime.

Wallace had strong second half. After DCS scored the first four points of the third quarter, the Wildcats closed out the quarter on a 14-8 run. Dajana Garrison and Finley each scored four points in the third to give Wallace a 26-23 lead.

Despite a three pointer by Reagan Pelster being Wallace’s only field goal of the fourth quarter, the Wildcats continued to increase their lead. Wallace’s final six points came from the free throw line to ensure the 35-27 win.

Head Coach Shawn Sullivan said his team has been working to find a rhythm at the charity stripe and reminded players to take a deep breath and take their time.

Finley led Wallace with 11 points. Kendyl Flaming had nine rebounds.

Four players hit first quarter buckets for Wallace, but the Wildcats trailed 9-15 after the first eight minutes.

With only three second quarter field goals, Wallace trailed 18-27 at halftime.

The Wildcats made it interesting in the third quarter. Pelster and Sauser scored 10 points in a little over 90 seconds to pull Wallace within three, 29-32.  With three minutes left in the quarter the Wildcats trailed 31-34, but were outscored 2-8 to end the quarter.

Wallace never got closer than 10 points in the fourth quarter of the 43-55 loss.

Finley had 15 points and 15 rebounds.Pelster had eight points and nine rebounds.

Sullivan said his Wildcats had too many unforced turnovers and couldn’t get themselves to the line.