Melissa McClendon
ADAIR - Despite a two-point second quarter, the Lady Wildcats came back to defeat Pawhuska in the consolation bracket of the Class 3A Area III Regional tournament in Adair. Sophomore Courtney Backward led Salina to a 48-41 victory over the Lady Huskies to advance to Saturday’s consolation final with Verdigris. The winner advances to next week’s Area tournament and is one step closer to a state tournament berth.
Salina came out strong in the first quarter going up 14-8 but the Lady Wildcats shooting turned cold in the second quarter. Pawhuska came from behind, outscoring Salina in the second quarter 16-2 to take a 24-16 lead at the end of the half.
Whitley Gann came out after the break scoring five points for Salina to get her team back on track. Later a three-point basket by Backward made it Pawhuska 30, Salina 24. Salina continued to battle back chipping away at the Lady Huskies.
With under a minute to go in the quarter, Backward stole the ball and went in for a layup, to bring Salina within four. As time was running out, sophomore Erin Jordan got the last shot off making it a two-point ball game.
Salina kicked off the fourth quarter with a steal and freshman Kayla Morgan scored to tie the game at 34-34. Backward followed with a three to put the Lady Wildcats back in the lead. Morgan added a three of her own putting Salina up 40-36.
Sophomore Reesa Cowan later snatched the ball away from Pawhuska and took it to the bucket, putting Salina up 42-36. Pawhuska managed to get back within two before the Lady Wildcats pulled away for good thanks to two intentional foul calls on the Lady Huskies. Salina went on to win 48-41.
The Lady Wildcats were led by Backward’s 17 points but got help from Morgan and Gann’s eight points each. Cowan added seven, while Jordan and senior Kindra Swafford contributed four points each. Sarah Tolson led Pawhuska with 21.
Salina 48 Pawhuska 41
P - 8 16 10 7 - 41
S - 14 2 16 16 - 48
P - Tolson 21, Drummond 8, Kennedy 4, Hartness 4, Smith 2, Schuck 2. S - Courtney Backward 17, Kayla Morgan 8, Whitley Gann 8, Reesa Cowan 7, Erin Jordan 4, Kindra Swafford 4.
