BY JIM MISUNAS

jmisunas@gbtribune.com

HAYS  — In every quarter, Great Bend's girls would challenge Hays Thomas More Prep only to see the Monarchs execute effectively at the end of each quarter.

The Monarchs downed a pesky Panther squad 41-32, keyed by clutch play in the final minutes of each quarter. The Monarchs outscored the Panthers 17-5 in the final stretch of the second, third and fourth quarters.

Great Bend closed within 18-15, but TMP scored the final three points for a 21-15 halftime lead. The Panthers responded with scores by Chayla Prendergast, Alyssa McCauley and DeShawnna Bryant to climb within 25-22, but the Monarchs closed with a 7-3 burst to lead 32-25 after three quarters. McCauley hit her third 3-pointer for a 34-30 score. But Gracyn Schippers scored eight fourth-quarter points to key a 7-2 closing finish.

Once again, the Panthers' defense kept them within range. Great Bend committed 15 turnovers, less than their season average. The Monarchs made 15 of 54 field goals (28%), and converted of 13 free throws, a key statistic that swung the Monarchs' way. The Monarchs took advantage of a few crucial extra possessions on rebounds and off turnovers.

"Our defense was better, especially our man defense," said Great Bend coach Jade Winter. "It just seemed like TMP was on every rebound tonight. If we see a rebound, we've got to go get them."

McCauley scored nine points. Bryant played with intensity and heart and delivered eight points with several steals and a blocked shot. Great Bend managed 24% shooting on 12 of 50 attempts. Again, the Panthers cost themselves at the line with 5 of 13 free throws. The Panthers earned shots, but were unable to convert enough of their quality attempts. 

"We've got to let our offense work for us," Winter said.

No. 2 state ranked 5A Hays High (13-0, 2-0 WAC) visits Great Bend (4-8, 0-2 WAC) as an overwhelming favorite Friday night. 

Great Bend 27 10 15 8 — 32

Hays TMP 2 10 8 5  — 41

GREAT BEND (4-8) (FG 3 FT TP)—McCauley 3-17 (3-10) 0-0 9, Bryant 3-11 2-5 8, Reimer 2-4 (0-1) 1-2 5,  Meredith Mazouch 2-4 (0-1) 0-0 4, Ellegood 1-7 1-2 3, Prendergast 1-3 0-0 2, Katherine Mazouch 0-4 (0-1) 1-4 1, Totals 12-50 (3-13) 5-13 32

HAYS TMP (7-5) (FG 3 FT TP)—Gracyn Scippers 5-15 (0-1) 12, Koenigsman 2-7 (1-4) 3-3 8, Rose 1-5 (1-3) 0-0 3, Claire Schippers 1-6 (0-2) 0-02, Gotti 3-5 (0-1) 0-0 6, Windholz 1-3 (0-1) 0-0 2, Yost 1-3 0-0 2, Allen 1-5 (0-1) 3-4 5, Rebel 0-4 (0-1) 1-2 1, Totals 15-54 (2-12) 9-13 41