Behind stifling defense, aggressive offense and a will to win the Cody Fillies knocked off Thunder Basin in the first round of the Class 4A State Tournament, 59-56, Friday morning.
The Fillies would jump out to an early 16-8 lead after the first quarter and led by as many as 10 early in the first half. After the Fillies led 18-8 early in the second Thunder Basin would outscore Cody 14-5 to end the first half. Cody went into the halftime break up 23-22.
The game really amped up in the third quarter where each team continued to trade blows. The Fillies would open things up late in the frame thanks to back-to-back made layups from Kennedi Niemann as the Fillies built a 39-32 lead heading into the fourth.
Thunder Basin would respond two minutes into the fourth tying things up at 41 a piece. The game was back-and-forth until the final buzzer. Anytime the Fillies looked to make a run, Thunder Basin answered.
The Fillies would hang on to a slim lead down to the final buzzer. With five seconds to go in the game Kennedi Niemann stepped to the free throw line with her team up two. She would miss the first, make the second. Thunder Basin, out of time outs, had to drive it up the full court and Gabby Drube’s 3-point heave fell short at the buzzer and the Fillies hung on for the win.
Torrie Schutzman led the way with 17 points, Molly Hays added 14 and Kennedi Niemann had 12. The Fillies were 15-21 from the free throw line in the fourth quarter, 27-38 for the game.
With the win the Fillies advance to the Class 4A State Semi Final game tonight where they will be matched up with Sheridan. That game is scheduled to get underway at 6pm tonight. Listen live on KODI.
For a look at what happened last time the Fillies played Sheridan, click here:
