Grand Rapids guard Liberty Blaine (3) passed the ball to center Maggie Miska (22) in the first half against Academy of Holy Angels. Photo: Aaron Lavinsky * aaron.lavinsky@startribune.com
Neither Holy Angels’ No. 2 ranking nor Arkansas-bound Destinee Oberg’s size unsettled Grand Rapids.
The No. 7-rated Thunderhawks got out in transition at every opportunity, exploiting the plodding Stars in a 75-60 victory Wednesday in the Class 3A quarterfinals at Williams Arena.
“We knew we had to push the ball up the floor,” Grand Rapids coach Kris Hamling said. “This team loves to do that. Our girls played really well.”
Neither Holy Angels’ No. 2 ranking nor Arkansas-bound Destinee Oberg’s size fazed Grand Rapids.
The No. 7-rated Thunderhawks got out in transition at every opportunity, exploiting the plodding Stars in a 75-60 triumph in the Class 3A quarterfinals at Williams Arena.
Grand Rapids (22-7) used its speed advantage on an 8-2 run early in the second half to open up a 47-38 lead. Meara Beighley and Liberty Blaine converted layups while Heaven Hamling made a three-pointer in the burst. Hamling later had a run of seven consecutive Thunderhawk points.
Holy Angels (25-5) pulled within two, 55-53, on an Oberg free throw, only to see Grand Rapids go on a 7-0 run to regain control.
Check back later for more on the game.