Providence Academy Never Trails in Two-Point Win Over Otters in AA Title Game
The Providence Academy Lions never trailed on their way to a 55-53 championship game victory over Fergus Falls on Saturday afternoon at Williams Arena on the campus of the University of Minnesota. The Lions led 17-7 to start the game, but the Otters cut the lead to 4, 26-22 at the half. Fergus Falls overcame another ten point deficit in the second half, pulling to within two points in the final minute of play, however the Lions held on for the win.
State Runners-Up. PHOTO PROVIDED
Providence Academy sophomore Brooke Hohenecker's assignment, which she carried out to perfection, was to not allow Tori Ratz to shoot the ball and to minimize her touches. Ratz didn't get a sniff from beyond the arc, or anywhere on the court, as she was 0-for-1 shooting the ball.
With Ratz effectively taken out of the offense, Ellie Colbeck took charge, making 14-of-31 shots and scoring a game high 41 points. Brynn Sternberg added 6 points and Ainsley Hansen led the team with 10 rebounds. Colbeck had a team high 3 assists and 2 steals.
Maria Counts (19 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists), Grace Counts (17 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists) and Maddyn Greenway (15 points, 4 rebounds, 4 steals) led the Lions. Hope Counts had 10 boards.
Providence Academy held a 36-30 edge on the boards. The Lions shot 40% from the field (22-55) and the Otters connected on 18-of-46 (39%) field goal attempts.
Fergus Falls finishes the season with a 26-6 record. Colbeck, Ratz and Hansen made the All-Tournament team.
Providence Academy (29-4) won their second state tournament title.
