Gallery • 12 Photos

By Sarah Morgan

With her hands in the air, freshman Claire Kaifes looks to the crowd to celebrate the Lady Jag's win against Blue Valley Southwest on Saturday, March 5.

Girls basketball earned a trip to the state championship tournament on Saturday, March 5, after beating the Blue Valley Southwest Timberwolves, 65-52.

Initially, the Timberwolves’ competition made for an intense start to the game, but they did not score very often in the first quarter. With the help of freshman Claire Kaifes’ multiple three-pointers, the Jaguars were able to lead 10-2 by the end of first quarter.

Second quarter was filled with fouls from both teams, and about equal scoring. The Timberwolves gained the lead through free throws and 3-pointers, and the score was 26-23, Timberwolves, by halftime.

Senior Catie Kaifes said the amount of fouls in second quarter caused the team to be distracted and lose its lead.

“We shouldn’t have worried so much about the refs,” Catie said. “We should’ve been focused on the game.”

Still, third quarter was lucky for the Jaguars. Numerous 3-pointers by Kaifes and freshman Presley Barton helped pave the way for a 10-point lead throughout.

The Timberwolves proved tough opponents, but ultimately lost 65-52.

Sophomore Evan Zars said this can be accredited to “hard work and determination,” while Claire said the game was won by “strength above all.”

Each team member beamed with pride as the crowd chanted “state” during the last few seconds of the game.

“We’re gonna take this excitement to the state tournament and use it on the floor and just dominate,” Claire said.

As it was her last home game as a Jaguar, Catie was proud of the hard work the team put into the game.

“I feel like we were hanging together more and more focused,” Catie said, “We knew when they were going to sneeze. That’s how good we knew them.”

The Jaguars will play Salina Central on Thursday in Topeka for the first round of the state tournament.