HARPER — Harper used a 17-7 run in the second quarter for a little breathing room, then held on down the stretch for a 45-35 win over Pilot Rock in the first round of the 1A state playoffs Wednesday night.
“So proud of our girl tonight,” Pilot Rock coach David Norton said. “They played incredibly hard and were outstanding on the defensive end. We just struggled to get shots to fall. Their effort and heart never wavered.”
Harper (20-6) advances to play Powers on Saturday in the second round. Pilot Rock finished its season with a 17-9 record.
The Rockets, back in the state playoffs for the first time in nine years, got five points from Paige Hansen in the first quarter. They trailed just 12-11.
Holly Rodriguez led the charge for the Hornets in the second, scoring 10 points as Harper took a 29-18 lead at the half.
Pilot Rock outscored Harper 17-16 in the second half, but it couldn’t erase the first-half deficit.
Hansen led the Rockets with eight points, while Kashley Golden added six, and Autumn Severe, Hailey Severe and Hailey Thieme all had five points.
“Our seniors, Kashley, Hailey (Thieme), Aubrey (Corwin) and Coley (Gibbs) have been an integral part of this turnaround,” Norton said. “From a four-win season two years ago to 17 wins and a state playoff berth, their leadership and commitment helped change the trajectory of this team. They will truly be missed. So proud of this group and everything they have accomplished.”
Rodriguez led the Hornets with 17 points, while Lindsay Talbot added 14, and Mollie Romans had eight.
