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New London uses fourth quarter run to pull away in Division 2 semifinal
New London 59, Milton 49

New London knew coming into the matchup with Milton that they were pretty evenly matched on paper. Both teams boasted matching 23-3 overall records, averaged just over 54 points per game and shot around 40 percent from the floor.

But it was an 8-0 fourth quarter run that finally put the Bulldogs ahead for good en route to a 59-49 Division 2 state semifinal victory Friday afternoon.

Unsurprisingly, the teams played back-and-forth affair through three quarters that saw 10 ties and eight lead changes. Milton’s largest lead came in the first quarter as it was hot out of the gate, going up 12-4. But New London responded to take a lead at the half, 21-19.

Both teams scored quickly and often to start the third quarter, combining for 19 points in the first two minutes of the second half. Neither team broke free until the fourth quarter, when New London’s All-State junior Tara Knapstein took over. The 5-10 forward scored 10 points in the final six minutes of the game as New London finished on a 17-7 run.

Clutch free-throw shooting down the stretch, of which we have seen a great lack in this year’s boys and girls tournament, was testament to New London’s focus in the final minutes of the game. The Bulldogs sunk 10 of 12 from the line in the final four minutes to seal the semifinal win.

Knapstein finished the game with a game-high 20 points for New London, while going 11-for 12 from the charity stripe. A total of 10 different players cracked the scoring column for New London as well, showing its balanced attack in full form.

Milton got 11 points apiece from guard Ashley Roherty and Morgan Blumer, who also completed the double-double with 11 rebounds. All-State senior forward Liz Eide added 10 points as the Red Hawks complete their season with a 22-4 record.

New London will take on Bay Conference rival Luxemburg-Casco in the Division 2 state championship game tomorrow at 6:35 p.m.

Luxemburg-Casco proves No. 1 ranking, blasts Bay in second semifinal
Luxemburg-Casco 50, Whitefish Bay 39 (Box Score)

No. 1-ranked Luxemburg-Casco may not have been to state since 2004, but the Spartans looked right at home in the late game Friday afternoon, surging to a 30-8 halftime lead and notching an eventual 50-39 victory over Whitefish Bay.

The story of the first half was the near-unstoppable play of 6-1 senior center Janelle VandenPlas, who was 7-for-8 from the floor and scored 16 points in the first 16 minutes alone. The Spartans played with great focus and intention and were the bigger, quicker and more efficient team in the first session.

Whitefish Bay would make a run though in the second half, outscoring Luxemburg-Casco 17-9 in the third quarter behind poised play of Jessica Switzer. But the Blue Dukes just could never overcome their huge first half deficit.

VandenPlas finished with 21 points and five rebounds, while Kelsey Joniaux and Allison Warnke added 11 points apiece. Joniaux also added a team-high six rebounds. Whitefish Bay was led by freshman Maya Jonas’ 13 points and 10 rebounds while Switzer added 11.

Luxemburg-Casco will take on New London for the third time this season, this one for all the marbles, in the Division 2 state championship game Saturday at 6:35 p.m.