The girls basketball team took a big leap deeper into the Missouri State Tournament last night with a close 42-37 victory over Kickapoo High School. The team traveled to Mizzou Arena in Columbia for the quarter-final matchup against another top-10 opponent in the state after their victory against Rock Bridge High School.
Even with a low combined score on the game, this matchup was nothing short of exciting, with 10 total lead changes and five times tied for each team. Kickapoo seemed to have the advantage for the most part from the first to third quarter, holding the lead for most of the game, until a 14-point scoring run by Staley shifted the momentum of the game and lifted them to a steady lead in the fourth quarter.
The team was successful in holding the advantage in the final quarter, giving them the close five-point victory. Staley had two players score more than 10 points in the game with sophomore Destiny Manyawu scoring 10 and making an impressive effort off the glass, picking up 10 total rebounds, three of them offensive rebounds resulting in crucial second-chance points.
Junior Londyn Parker also showed up with an impressive performance, not only scoring 13 points in the game, but an astounding eight steals. Each member of the team did their job well, and understood what was at stake in the game, leading to their victory in Columbia.
The celebration isn’t done yet, with the stage set for the highest peak in high school basketball, the Class 6 Missouri State Championship. The Falcons will face off against the four-time defending Class 6 and three-time Class 4 State Champions Incarnate Word Academy.
IWA is currently ranked No. 1 in the state, steamrolling through the State Tournament, followed by Staley in the runner-up position in the rankings. This will be Staley’s toughest matchup so far and a great opportunity for the team to test themselves against a dynasty.
IWC’s scoring average bests Staley’s by 8.9 points per game, so the team’s defensive effort and ball possession will be a big factor in the game. Staley will also have to be more consistent in their shot making, only shooting 31% on their field goals in their matchup against Kickapoo.
So far the Falcons are looking to be the underdog in this matchup, but are prepared to surprise everybody with an intense level of play. This matchup will be hosted at 6:00 today at Mizzou Arena, featuring two teams from each side of the state, Kansas City’s Staley High School, and St. Louis’ Incarnate Word Academy.
