The Lone Tree girls have advanced to the Class 1A Region 4 semifinals with a 53-45 win over the Wapello Arrows on Tuesday.

Despite a relatively successful season, until Tuesday, Wapello had been a thorn in the Lady Lions’ side. In two prior meetings, the Arrows had defeated Lone Tree, and were attempting to do it again in the playoffs. This time, however, the Lady Lions had the edge. Lone Tree took a slim 13-12 lead after the first, and held Wapello to just 4 points in the second to take a 24-16 halftime advantage.

A 14-7 third quarter grew the lead to 15 at 38-23. In the fourth quarter, Wapello suddenly found its offensive spark, dropping 22 to put a little bit of pressure on Lone Tree. Fortunately for the Lady Lions, they added just enough points themselves to keep the Arrows at bay, finally getting over the hump to claim that first victory, in the one that counted, 53-45.

Finley Jacque had an impressive outing, scoring 26 of Lone Tree’s 53 on 10/25 shooting. She also made it a double-double with 10 rebounds on the day. Ava Christofferson added 10. Wapello’s Macey Kuntz led the Arrows with 18.

Lone Tree improves to 16-7 on the season, but next face what is almost certainly their toughest test this season in 1A #4 Springville. The Orioles are 22-1, and feature a D1 commit in Rowan Jacobi. The future South Dakota Coyote averages 26.9 points a game this season.