Wichita Classical eliminates Oxford girls from competition in sub-state semifinals
Oxford’s Emma Dwell battles Nevi Wilkey to open the sub-state semifinal.
by James Jordan, Sumner Newscow — Wichita Classical girls used a suffocating defense and sharp shooting to beat Oxford 41-27 Thursday in the Class 2A sub-state in Oxford. Wichita Classical will play Norwich on Saturday in the finals. Norwich beat Wichita Central Christian 59-31 in the first game of the day.
Wichita Classical used a one-on-one defense and kept Oxford from getting many shots. The Mavericks also dominated the boards so the Lady Wildcats got few second chances.
Oxford trailed 14-3 after one quarter and trailed by as many as 18 with just a couple of minutes left in the second quarter.
The Wildcats had just two field goals, two three-pointers by Liberty Kies, with two minutes left in the half.
Oxford made a push, though, and at one point looked like they would get back in the game.
Oxford’s Nevi Wilkey is defended by Addison Yost.
The Wildcats got two quick baskets just before halftime, and Wichita Classical led 24-11 at the break.
Yasmin Gardea hit two shots to start the third quarter for Oxford. Mikayla Tong added a free throw, and Oxford had trimmed the lead to nine three minutes into the second half.
Wichita Classic then reeled off 10 unanswered points to take a 39-16 lead late in the third quarter.
Oxford managed to cut the lead in the fourth quarter, but could not overcome the deficit.
Oxford Yasmin Gardia gets open for a layup.
Yasmin Gardea had 9 points for Oxford, and Liberty Kies had 8. Mikayla Tong had 5, Ema Dowell 3, and Yacinia Gardea 2.
For Wichita Classical, Nevi Wilkey led with 16 points and Maggie Neill had 10.
