Since the 2012-13 season, Skyline’s been one of the premier Class 2 girls’ teams in the state.
But there remains no doubt as to who’s No. 1.
For the fourth straight year, Crane handed Skyline a loss at the Show-Me Showdown in Columbia, this time in the 2016 Class 2 semifinals Thursday night at Mizzou Arena.
Senior and Drury commit Lexie Vaught led three Pirates in double figures with 19 points as Crane defeated Skyline 56-50. In a second half that saw Skyline cut the deficit to three in the third quarter then seven late in the fourth quarter, Crane had a response each time.
“It speaks well of my seniors,” said Crane coach Jeremy Mullins. “They’ve been in that situation before and they responded accordingly. I give the credit to my girls and their determination for what they did down the stretch.”
In a game featuring two strong defensive teams, turnovers were a big factor. Skyline forced Crane into 17 turnovers, but the Tigers also committed 24 turnovers of their own.
“Those seven (extra) shots probably would’ve made a big difference,” said Skyline coach Kevin Cheek. “Some of that has to do with the fact that (Crane) does a great job defensively. Then, there were times where we were probably pressing and trying to get the ball into certain spots a little too much.”
Crane threatened to blow the game open before halftime, leading 24-14 with three minutes remaining in the second quarter.
Skyline cut the deficit to six by the break, then drew within 30-27 early in the third quarter on a trey by Lauren Wouters.
“That second half, it was close,” Vaught said. “I remember looking up at the scoreboard thinking, ‘Where did that (lead) go? What are we doing?’ We needed to get it together. But we were able to get it together.
“That final score, it was getting iffy there. Six points, that’s too close for comfort for us, but we were able to pull it off.”
After Wouters’ trey, Crane responded with an 11-2 run – forcing three Skyline turnovers in the process.
In the fourth quarter, Crane’s lead swelled to 48-35 before Skyline made one final push. Kaylee DaMitz’s 3-pointer cut Crane’s lead to 53-46 with 2:42 remaining.
Skyline committed turnovers on its next two possessions before a pair of Crane free throws put the Pirates ahead 55-46 with one minute remaining.
“It was like a hump we were trying to get over,” DaMitz said. “You climb that hill and you try to hold your fort. Sometimes, you can’t get it done.”
In addition to 19 points, Vaught tallied 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals for Crane. She took just 8 shot attempts and was 10-for-12 at the free throw line.
Shelby Roder and Kylee Moore each scored 10 for the Pirates.
DaMitz was the only Skyline player to score in double figures, finishing with a game-high 22 points.
“There was a spot or two there where I thought they could’ve given up the fight if they wanted to, and they didn’t,” Cheek said about his team. “We couldn’t quite get over the hurdle we needed to, but Crane’s won three (championships) in a row for a reason and you have to give credit to them.”
Crane went 19-for-28 at the free throw line, compared to Skyline’s mark of 14-for-15.
Crane (30-1 overall), seeking its fourth straight state championship, faces Neelyville (26-4 overall) at 2:40 p.m. Saturday at Mizzou Arena.
Skyline (27-4 overall) faces New Franklin (22-8 overall) in the Class 2 3rd place game at 2:30 p.m. Friday. The Tigers will return four of five starters next season, including junior McKinsey Mountain.
“I really wish we could’ve beat Crane with the seniors they have now, because that’s who we’ve always played against here,” Mountain said. “We’re going to keep working at it, keep trying to get back here so we can finally get (a state championship) I hope.”
Crane 56, Skyline 50
Crane 19 9 14 14 — 56
Skyline 10 12 11 17 — 50
Crane – Lexie Vaught 19, Shelby Roder 10, Kylee Moore 10, Justine Mahan 7, Keren Belin 6, Madison Fulp 4
Skyline – Kaylee DaMitz 22, McKinsey Mountain 8, Autumn Garrett 6, Lauren Wouters 5, Savannah Owen 4, Kristen Miller 4, Matalyn Potter 1
