By TYLER HENRY
Salina Post contributor
The Salina Central girls basketball team battled for 32 minutes but came up just shy of a perfect season, falling to St. Thomas Aquinas in the 5A state championship by a final score of 52-38.
The Saints claim a sixth consecutive state title while the Lady Mustangs' incredible ride comes to an end at a program-best 24-1.
Central trailed by seven early in the first quarter but capped it off with a 7-2 run to cut the Saints lead to two at the break.
In the second quarter, it was St. Thomas Aquinas who found a late run of 12-0 to hold a seven-point lead at halftime.
The Lady Mustangs fought valiantly to cut into the lead again in the third quarter, but on the strength of an 18-point, 17-rebound performance from Oklahoma commit Beatrice Cullington, the Saints were able to pull away and close out their season with a final victory.
Central was led once again by senior star Aubrie Kierscht, who played her heart out in one final game for the maroon and white, scoring 17 points in the title bout.
While the Mustang's state-run ends in a disappointing loss, there is still much to celebrate about one of the best Central campaigns in history.
Not only did this team break the program record for wins in a season, but their runner-up finish at state ties the highest finish of any Central girls basketball season in history.
The Lady Mustangs will say goodbye to one of the most talented senior classes to ever walk the halls of Salina Central as Aubrie Kierscht, Hampton Williams, Chaliscia Samilton, and Landry Stewart prepare to graduate this spring.
Next year’s team will be in the hands of MyKayla Cunningham and a talented junior class that will have big shoes to fill following such a phenomenal season.
For continuing coverage of Salina Central athletics, stay tuned to the Salina Post.