The Manchester Lady Squires secured a hard-fought 45-35 victory over Southwood on Friday night to advance to the County Championship game. Despite an early offensive struggle, the Lady Squires found their rhythm and relied on defensive intensity and clutch free-throw shooting to seal the win.
Southwood kept the game close in the opening half, but the Lady Squires battled to take a lead heading into halftime. Southwood mounted a comeback to start the fourth quarter, but Manchester responded with key shots and solid defensive play to maintain control. The Lady Squires closed out the game with timely stops and consistent shooting from the free-throw line.
Emma Walker delivered a standout performance, posting a double-double with 12 points, 13 rebounds, two assists, one block, and one steal. Peyton Ream also contributed 12 points, along with two rebounds, one assist, one block, and four steals. Molly Schannep anchored the boards with 10 rebounds to go along with her six points and one steal.
Additional contributions came from Allie Egolf, who added six points, four rebounds, and three steals, and Hadley West, who filled the stat sheet with three points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Ava Sautter chipped in six points and one rebound, while Olivia Stevens and Hanna Stout provided valuable defensive energy off the bench.
The Lady Squires will face Wabash in the championship game on Saturday at 6:30 p.m., looking to claim the county title.
