Trio of teams win subdsitrict titles

Few teams came through in the clutch better than Cambridge, Chase County and undefeated Dundy County-Stratton's girls Thursday night.

Probably the best shot came from a freshman: Cambridge sharpshooter Shaye Porter.

Trailing mighty North Platte St. Pat's by one point with the final minute ticking away, Porter banked home a three-point shot that put her Trojans ahead for good.

They added two points and then surived one final Irish shot to win, 35-34, and earn a C-2 subdistrict championship at Cozad High School.

North Platte St. Pat's has only dropped three games all season (21-3 record) -- but two have been against Cambridge in the last two-plus weeks.

The Trojans also triumphed, 49-46, at North Platte, earlier this month.

Irish defense did far better against Cambridge senior Alea Shaner, who lit them up with 26 points in that first win.

However, senior Marlana Kent stepped up to score 10 points while Shaner netted nine.

Katelynn Benson slipped another eight points through the Cozad hoops.

Freshman Korynn Clason (four points) and Kayla Shaner (one) added huge points along with that one Porter triple.

Alea Shaner's eight rebounds, four steals and two blocked shots showed she can do far more than score points.

The Trojans (19-3) are now one win from a repeat state trip. They will face a tough Hemingford team on Friday, Feb. 24, at a site to be determined.

Cambridge coach Jarod Albers added recently a real momentum boost was "we won't see them (Dundy County-Stratton) again."

Just about every Tiger foe would agree after facing the 24-0 Tigers.

However, Hitchcock County (13-11 record) made a lot of its third meeting this season Thursday night.

The Falcons only trailed 25-17 through one half to a DC-S team averaging nearly 63 points per game.

A 20-8 third quarter would propel the Tigers closer to their average. They eventually closed a 55-36 subdistrict final win at Southwest High School.

Now win No. 25 will send coach Nathan Behlke's squad featuring seniors Aubrey Frederick, Emily Jones, Payton Zarkowski, Madison Lambley and Hally Waters to their fourth straight D-1 state tournament.

Complete Tiger leaders Thursday evening:

DUNDY COUNTY (55) -- Aubrey Frederick 14 points, Adeline Krutsinger 12, Emily Jones 8, Kami Porter 6, Madison Lambley 4, Payton Zarkowski 4, Grace Frederick 1. Rebound leaders: Frederick 11, Krutsinger 6. Assists: Porter 5. Steals: Porter 4, Aubrey Frederick 3.

Unfortunately, no Falcon individual stats were obtained before today's press deadline.

Chase County gave the Tigers one of their closest games all season.

The Longhorns have continued an excellent 17-7 season which bcame even better Thursday evening in their C-1 subdistrict title game.

Taking on a tough Ogallala team, the Longhorns triumphed 44-40 and earned their district championship/state tournament shot next week.

Sisters led Chase County as senior Taylin McNair scored 16 points and freshman Mallie McNair added 13.

A 21-8 second quarter helped the Longhorns take charge while Ogallala's season ended at 13-12.

Coach Mark Bottoms' team also buried seven of 10 free throws during the clinching fourth quarter.

Chase County advances into a district final against No. 7-rated Mitchell Thursday night.

The Tigers (22-1) trounced Gordon-Rushville, 59-29, in their subdistrict final.

A site and opening tip time had not been obtained before today's press deadline.