Regional host and second-seeded Annawan sent an early 28-6 message to the Spartans Monday night and went on to win in a 72-39 rout in the regional semifinal contest.
Annawan (23-6) will now face third-seeded Brimfield, who squeaked by 8-seeded Monmouth (United) by a score of 38-36.
In Monday’s game, the Bravettes extended their lead to 44-17 at the half. Zoey Vance scored 10 first quarter points and 14 in the first half. Clara Bella VanOpdorp led Annawan with eight points in the second quarter and 11 in the opening half. Kaylee Celus added seven in the half.
Ridgewood (15-15) outscored Annawan 15-14 in the third quarter, but the Bravettes still had a comfortable lead of 58-32 heading into final frame.
Annawan rebounded with a 14-7 fourth quarter effort to finish strong and cruise to the 72-39 win. VanOpdorp tacked on eight more points in the third quarter and seven in the fourth to round out her game-high 26-point effort. Vance followed with 17 and Celus added 13 on the night.
Brynlee Wirt led Ridgewood with eight points.
“The girls played well tonight,” said Annawan Coach Jason Burkiewicz. “Nice and loose. Time to get ready for the next round.”
The Annawan Regional championship game between the Bravettes and Brimfield (20-11) will be played at 7 p.m. Thursday at Annawan High School. In an earlier game this season (Dec 2), Annawan beat Brimfield 60-41.
