Strafford advanced to the program’s 11th consecutive district title game after beating host Sparta 55-39 in the Class 3 District 11 semifinals.
The Lady Indians found separation in the middle two quarters after taking a 12-11 lead heading into the second quarter. In the second quarter, Strafford clamped down defensively and held a 10-3 advantage in the quarter for a 22-14 halftime lead. That lead expanded to 40-24 after three quarters.
Any chance of a fourth-quarter comeback was shut down by strong free throw shooting for the Lady Indians. Strafford went 10-for-11 from the free throw line in the fourth quarter.
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Elsie Larsen led Strafford and all scorers with 23 points. Lauren Jones scored 15 for the Lady Indians.
Sparta was led by Natalie Wilks with 12 points.
No. 2 seed Strafford will face No. 1 seed Fair Grove for the district title at 5 pm on Saturday. Fair Grove beat Strafford 49-33 in the regular season meeting on Feb. 16.
Strafford will be looking for the program’s eighth consecutive district title. The last time Strafford did not win a district title was in 2015 when the Lady Indians finished as runner-up to Buffalo.
Sparta – 11-3-10-15 — 39
Strafford – 12-10-18-15 — 55
SP: Natalie Wilks 12, Megan Brown 11, Brynn Holt 8, Brooklyn Roller 3, Amree Youngman 3, Mya Fulton 2
ST: Elsie Larsen 23, Lauren Jones 15, Brooklyn Adney 7, Laney Humble 6, Sophia Frerking 4
