Providence routs Pequot

By Star Tribune, 03/16/12, 10:30PM CDT

The outcome was never in doubt as the Lions advanced to the Class 2A title game.

Providence Academy vs. Pequot Lakes

Class 2A semifinals of the 2012 state tournament. Photos by Kyndell Harkness, Star Tribune

It was the last thing either team needed, but Nathalie Ratliff had a wide-open lane to run through as the last seconds of the first half melted away. So she willed a teardrop shot through the hoop as the buzzer sounded to make it a 28-point lead at the half, personifying a blatantly one-sided victory.

Ratliff shared a high-five with a teammate as they ran to the locker room, and gave a “thank goodness” look.

Not that the game was ever much in doubt.

The teams traded baskets to start off, and it was a one-team show from there. The Lions (27-4) earned a spot in the Class 2A championship by scoring 21 points off 13 Patriots turnovers. Pequot Lakes (20-12) made just two field goals in the first half.

Despite sitting the final 13 minutes of the game, AnnMarie Healy led all scorers with 15 points. Ratliff scored 13 for the Lions while Taylor Finley added 11.

BRIAN STENSAAS

Three Stars

AnnMarie Healy, Providence Academy- Healy led the Lions with 15 points in an outstanding performance late Friday night at the Target Center. Healy also contributed ten rebounds and five assists in a well-rouned performance for the Lions, who advance to the Class AA Championship Saturday.

Natalie Ratliff, Providence Academy- Natalie showed great touch leading to her 13 points. She had nine of her 13 points in the first half where the Lions pulled away. Ratliff added three rebounds and was fifty percent from the free-throw line.

Taylor Finley, Providence Academy- Taylor showed great ball movement all night Friday and contributed eleven points in 23 minutes of playing time. She also grabbed five rebounds as the Providence Academy Lions dominate and advance to the Class AA State Championship at the Target Center.

-- Ryan Brodd, MN Girls Basketball Hub Staff