MORAN — A late scoring lull did in Marmaton Valley High’s girls Friday.
The Wildcats led visiting Southeast by four midway through the third quarter before the Lancers rattled off nine straight points over the next seven minutes of game time.
By the time Marmaton Valley’s Janae Granere converted a 3-point play with 4 ½ minutes remaining, Southeast had taken the lead for good, 28-23.
The Wildcats kept things interesting down the stretch, but could not get over the hump in a 35-32 setback.
The loss drops Marmaton Valley to 5-2 as the Wildcats enter the War on 54 midseason tournament in Iola Tuesday. Marmaton Valley takes on Cherryvale at 3:30 p.m. in the Iola Elementary School gymnasium. Tournament games also are scheduled for Thursday and Friday.
NEITHER team was able to take control in a nip-and-tuck first half. In fact, when Khiana Haynes’s free throw with 4:02 left in the third pushed the Wildcats on top, 23-19, it was the first time either team led by as many as four.
But that’s when Southeast bounced back.
Haynes scored again with 3:30 remaining to make it 23-20. She then hit one of two free throws after the Lancers had pulled ahead by five. Granere followed with a free throw, and her driving layup with 7 seconds left made it 35-32.
The Wildcats were able to force a tie-up with 4 seconds left, but Southeast retained possession. Marmaton Valley couldn’t prevent the long inbound pass, however, and the Lancers raced upcourt before a Wildcat player could stop the clock with a foul.
GRANERE scored 14 to lead Marmaton Valley. Payton Scharff added eight and Haynes six.
Teagan Warner scored 13 and Kinzey Cassidy had 10 for Southeast.
Southeast also prevailed, 20-9, in a two-quarter junior varsity matchup. Sophia Heim scored five; Taylen Blevins and Andie Carr had two apiece for the Wildcat JV.
Southeast (7-10-9-9—35)
FG/3pt FT F TP
Cassidy 3 4 3 10
