By TYLER HENRY
Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post
Southeast of Saline fought their way back in the second half, but couldn’t overcome a slow start, falling to the Swathers 48-31 in Saturday’s sub-state championship game.
Hesston utilized a huge surge and great first-half defense to earn a lead and protect it down the stretch, securing their spot at state.
Reagan Duran was the only Lady Trojan to score in the first quarter, tallying four points as Hesston took the early 16-4 lead.
In the second quarter, the offense ran completely dry, with the Lady Swathers holding Southeast without a single field goal, stretching their advantage to 23-7 at the break.
The two sides went back and forth in the third and fourth but the damage was already done as Hesston cruised over the finish line of a 48-31 victory.
Callie Yoder led the charge for Hesston with 19 points in the win, backed up by Jaden Williams, who closed out her evening with 11.
Two Lady Trojans ended the night in double figures, with Duran (11) and Kyiah Samuelson (10) leading the way.
The Lady Swathers, now 17-9, will be the 7-seed in the 3A state tournament, joining Halstead, Silver Lake, Holcomb, Osage City, Girard, Ellsworth, and Marysville.
For Southeast of Saline another strong campaign comes to a close at 18-6.
You can watch this game on-demand any time below.