Simley's Abby Hepper (left) and Holy Angels' Rachel Kawiecki battled for a loose ball in the first half. Photo: Jerry Holt • Jerry.Holt@startribune.com
Whether diving on the floor for loose balls or moving the ball to allow all five starters to reach double-figures in scoring, Simley showcased its tenacity and talent throughout a 70-62 victory Wednesday in a Class 3A quarterfinal.
And when the game got tight in the second half, No. 4 seed Simley (28-2) showed a resiliency that state tournament-tested No. 5 seed Holy Angels (22-7) couldn’t match. Simley of Inver Grove Heights earned its 25th consecutive victory.
“Our motto is, ‘One more,’ ” senior forward Tiwaah Danso said. “We have to play every game like it’s our last. Even if you’re going to get bruised on the side of your ribs diving for a ball, you better dive for that ball.”
Danso scored 16 points to go with her game-high 17 rebounds. Senior guard Zareia Chevre led the Spartans with 18 points.
Photo gallery: Simley vs. Academy of Holy Angels
Holy Angels junior forward Rachel Kawiecki led all players with 22 points. She was on the bench when teammate Emma Henry sank two three-pointers, each one good for a brief second half lead at Maturi Pavilion.
“I thought at that point we were going to blow the game open,” Kawiecki said.
But Holy Angels, despite having placed third at state last season and taking 12 more shots than Simley, could not maintain its advantage
In 2018, Holy Angels escaped with a one-point victory in the Section 3 championship game. And Simley players have long memories.
“We came here to prove something,” Danso said.
First report
No. 4 seed Simley (28-2) held off No. 5 seed Holy Angels (22-7) for a 70-62 victory Wednesday in the second Class 3A state tournament game played at the Maturi Pavilion.
The Spartans led 33-30 at halftime and used a variety of hustle plays to endure a seesaw second half. Five of their players ended up in double-digits for scoring.
The losing Stars were led by junior forward Rachel Kawiecki, who finished with 22 points.
Check back later for more on the game.
Girls Basketball Hub Headlines
Hopkins? Minnetonka? We know, Coach. Change can be difficult.
- By JIM PAULSEN, Star Tribune 03/18/2024, 4:15pm CDT
Minnetonka pushes away Hopkins for 4A title
- By JIM PAULSEN, Star Tribune 03/16/2024, 10:15pm CDT
Benilde-St. Margaret's repeats as Class 3A champion
- By JOE GUNTHER, Star Tribune 03/16/2024, 7:45pm CDT
In the end, at the very end, Providence Academy overcomes Albany in 2A
- By RON HAGGSTROM, Star Tribune 03/16/2024, 4:30pm CDT
Goodhue sinks Mountain Iron-Buhl for Class 1A state championship
- By THEO FRANZ, Star Tribune 03/16/2024, 1:45pm CDT
