Skyline used a 12-0 run from the end of the third quarter to the start of the fourth quarter to help pull away from South Shelby for a 57-48 win in the Class 3 state quarterfinals.
South Shelby maintained a small lead on Skyline throughout the early part of the game leading 16-14 after one quarter, 26-25 at the half and 36-34 after three quarters.
Skyline’s 12-0 run helped turn a 36-31 deficit into a 43-36 lead with 5:24 left in the game, but it was far from over. South Shelby cut Skyline’s lead to three at 44-41 with 2:39 remaining in the game. Skyline responded by pushing the lead out to 53-47 with 47 seconds left. The Tigers held on for the final 47 seconds for the 57-48 win.
Ashlen Garrett led Skyline with 17 points. Kenzi Cheek (14 points), Grace Edge (10 points) and Sadie Redd (10 points) also scored in double figures for a balanced Skyline.
Miranda Patterson led South Shelby and all scorers with 25 points.
Skyline will play in the program’s 16th final four in program history seeking a seventh state title. The Tigers will face Mid-Lakes Conference rival Fair Grove at 8 pm on Friday at Great Southern Bank Arena on the campus of Missouri State University.
The two teams split their regular season matchups. Fair Grove beat Skyline 53-34 in the Skyline Tournament title game on Jan. 13. Skyline beat Fair Grove in the conference matchup 49-46 on Feb. 2.
South Shelby – 16-10-10-12 — 48
Skyline – 14-11-9-23 — 57
SO: Miranda Patterson 25, Elizabelle Roush 9, Milli Mozee-Williams 5, Callie McWilliams 4, Kaylee Gaines 3, Kamryn Mitchell 2
SK: Ashlen Garrett 17, Kenzi Cheek 14, Grace Edge 10, Sadie Redd 10, Emily Edwards 6
Thanks to Skyline Athletic Director for providing updates from the game.
