A decisive run spanning two quarters proved to be the difference Monday night, as Clifton-Clyde pulled away from Olpe for a 56-41 victory in the KSHSAA Class 1A Division I Girls Substate semifinal.
Olpe showed early poise, taking a 3-2 lead midway through the opening quarter. But Clifton-Clyde quickly seized control with a 10-0 run to close the period, moving in front 12-5 by the end of the first quarter.
Olpe would respond with an 8-0 of their own to cut the deficit to 12-11 but Clifton-Clyde tightened up defensively and limited Olpe’s scoring opportunities, while continuing to find points in transition and at the free throw line. A 12-0 burst to end the half pushed the advantage to 24-11 at intermission.
The scoring run would extend into the third quarter, growing to 16-0 before Olpe was able to respond. By the end of the third, Clifton-Clyde had built a 42-24 cushion and maintained control the rest of the way.
Clifton-Clyde’s Sevy Wurtz delivered a standout performance, pouring in a game-high 30 points. She was especially effective at the line, converting all 12 of her free throw attempts. Olpe was led by Alisa Skalsky, who finished with 11 points.
Olpe’s season concludes at 16-7. Clifton-Clyde advances to Saturday’s Substate Championship game, where it will meet Centralia with a berth in the state tournament on the line.
Other Area Girls Scores
MDCV 81 Altoona Midway 15
Waverly 43 St Paul 21
Pretty Prairie 32 Madison 27
Wabaunsee 74 Rural Vista 25
