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Dealing with significant foul trouble, the high-powered Aquinas girls basketball team found itself down at halftime against Milwaukee Academy of Science in a Division 4 state semi-final contest. A 25-point second half outburst from junior Iowa State recruit Lexi Donarski helped the Blugolds rally for a 77-59 victory, however.

Donarski spent a considerable portion of the first half on the bench in foul trouble, picking up three fouls before halftime. Fellow starters Kayla Bahr and Courtney Becker also got into trouble with two fouls apiece in the first half.

While dynamic scorer Shemera Williams had just eight points at halftime for Academy of Science, freshmen Toniah Williams (nine points) and Nakiyah Hurst (eight points) picked up the slack to help the Novas to the halftime edge.

The teams went back-and-forth in the opening minutes of the second half, but after Milwaukee Academy of Science took a 39-38 lead with 14:32 remaining, Aquinas put the pedal to the metal and went on a 16-4 run over the next six minutes. A Lexi Donarski jumper with 5:41 remaining put the Blugolds up by 11, and their lead never dipped into single-digits again.

Donarski was extremely efficient, making 8-of-12 shots from the field, including both three-pointers, along with all 10 free throws to finish with a game-high 28 points. Aquinas went a perfect 19-for-19 from the free throw line as a team. Courtney Becker finished with 13 point and 10 rebounds, while Kayla Bahr added a double-double with 10 and 10. Taylor Theusch chipped in 10 points as well.

Nakiyah Hurst led Milwaukee Academy of Science with 20 points, while Shemera Williams scored 18 on 7-of-23 shooting. Toniah Williams added 13 points.

Melrose-Mindoro never trailed en route to a dominating 63-44 victory over previously unbeaten Colby in a Division 4 state semi-final girls basketball game on Thursday evening.

The Mustangs' easy victory coupled with an Aquinas win in the first D4 semi-final sets up a rematch for the state championship on Saturday. Last year, Aquinas topped Melrose-Mindoro to take home the gold ball. 

The Mustangs led by as many as 16 points in the first half before settling for a 35-22 halftime advantage. 

The lead went back to 15 on the first possession of the second half, as Melrose-Mindoro threatened to pull away early. However, Colby responded in a big way, going on a 9-0 run in just over two minutes to close the gap to six points. The Hornets were not able to close the gap any further, and Melrose-Mindoro eventually pushed the lead to as many as 21 points before winning 63-44.

Emily Herzberg led Melrose-Mindoro with a game-high 21 points, while Mesa Byom added 14 points and 13 rebounds. Erika Simmons had 14 points as well.

Colby was led in scoring by Vanessa Lopez, who spent much of the game in foul trouble before fouling out with 15 points. Ashley Streveler was the only other player in double-figures for the Hornets with 10.

Attendance for the Division 4 Thursday night session was down considerably to 3,506.