A gutsy fourth quarter put Willard into the Division II District finals at Ashland who locked down rival Shelby late to advance, 49-44.

 

The second-seeded Whippets (22-2) started the contest flat, scoring just two field goals in the opening quarter as they fell behind 13-8. Emma Randall then scored six of her team-high 15 points to help Shelby close the gap to 23-21 by the half.

 

Momentum carried with Shelby into the third quarter where they rode the hot hand of Haylee Baker on a 21-14 run to close the frame on top 42-37 before coming undone down the stretch.

 

Willard's (20-4) defensive tenacity would keep the Lady Whippets from registering a single field goal in the fourth as they six unanswered points in the final two minutes to close out a victory.

 

Senior forward Cassie Crawford poured in a game-high 19 points to carry the Flashes scoring load as Kalli Sowers and Layla Dials each added nine points, McKenna Stephens put up eight and Presley Feltner contributed with four.

 

Olivia Baker joined Randall in double figures with 10 for Shelby who got eight points from H. Baker and six by Sydnie Seibert.

 

Willard now advances to face #4 Sandusky Perkins (20-4) for the District Championship after an upset of #1 Bellevue got the Pirates into the final.