Maranatha Christian Academy guard Kylie Post (10) scored a basket over Mesabi East guard Ava Hill (11) in the first half. Photo: AARON LAVINSKY • aaron.lavinsky@startribune.com
Playing in the Class 2A state tournament for the first time didn’t seem to rattle Maranatha Christian Academy.
The second-seeded Mustangs relied on the experience they gained during their eight previous appearances in the Class 1A tournament and blew past Mesabi East 85-49 on Wednesday at Williams Arena.
“The whole program took [moving to 2A] as a challenge. We heard a lot about how with us moving up our run was over,” Maranatha Christian coach Chris Buerman said. “That was a big motivator for us to move on with our streak.”
Photo gallery: Class 2A quarterfinals
Mesabi East (24-7) made its only run of the game late in the first half, a 10-0 spurt that got the Giants within a basket at 30-28. The Mustangs responded with an 8-0 charge over the final minute of the first half and the Giants never got back within single digits.
The Mustangs (27-4) continued to quickly move the ball up the floor in the second half and wear down the Giants. They closed out their 11th consecutive victory with a 33-7 run.
“We’re always looking to push the ball. Even our center can dribble down the court if she needs to,” said senior guard Kylie Post, who was one of five Mustang players in double figures with 10 points. “We trust each other and know our teammates are going to be there for us.”
Eighth-grader Desiree Ware led the balanced Mustangs with 14 points. Senior Jaclyn Jarnot scored 12 points, grabbed 15 rebounds and had six assists.
Playing in the Class 2A state tournament for the first time didn’t seem to rattle Maranatha Christian Academy.
The second-seeded Mustangs relied on the experience they gained during their eight previous appearances in the Class 1A tournament and blew past Mesabi East 85-49 on Wednesday at Williams Arena.
Maranatha Christian controlled play for most of the first half, forcing 13 turnovers and grabbing 17 offensive rebounds.
Mesabi East pieced together a 10-0 run to creep within 30-28, but the Mustangs responded with an 8-0 spurt of their own just before halftime and the Giants never got back within single digits.
The Mustangs (27-4) closed out their 11th consecutive victory with a 33-7 run.
Check back later for more on the game.
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