Senior Laura Keesaer's 12 points helped lead the Lady 'Hounds into their first district title game. (Chris Allen/Democrat-News) [Click to enlarge]

CONCORDIA -- The Sweet Springs Lady Greyhounds are advancing to the Class 2, District 8 championship game, and they have the clutch shooting of senior Laura Keesaer to thank.

The Greyhounds (17-10) trailed 32-30 when Keesaer drained the game-winning three-pointer with 45 seconds remaining. Sweet Springs went on to sink four free throws, sealing a 37-32 victory over the Fayette Falcons (10-16).

"She had the big shot and she hit it," said Sweet Springs head coach Boyd Jones. "She's played the best basketball of her life the last few weeks, so it was fitting that she hit that shot."

Sweet Springs trailed for much of the game, but their aggressive 1-3-1 zone defense kept them close.

"I thought we played very well defensively throughout the game," said Jones. "Defense won us the game."

Jones was also pleased with his team's ability to take care of the basketball.

"We were patient, we didn't have that many turnovers," he said.

Keesaer and Stephanie Krause led Sweet Springs with 12 and 11 points respectively. Senior Catherine Kyle paced the Falcons with a game high 14 points.

Santa Fe 68, Fayette 32

Santa Fe defeated Fayette, 68-32, and even that score doesn't show how lopsided the game truly was.

"That was fun," said Santa Fe head coach Travis Zahl.

The game's outcome was never in doubt; the Chiefs (16-9) raced out to 13-0 lead over the Fayette Falcons (10-15) and never looked back.

"We've struggled on and off with shooting this year," said Zahl. "So knocking down our open shots was the key to our start."

Santa Fe maintained a 40-18 edge at halftime, a margin which ballooned to 45 points after the Chiefs went on a 26-3 third quarter spurt.

"Our kids usually come out and play intense, but tonight was a controlled intensity," said Zahl.

The Chiefs cleared their bench early in the fourth quarter and coasted to the victory.

"After looking at them on tape, we felt there were some match-ups we could take advantage of," said Zahl.

Santa Fe senior Luke Brandt led all scorers with 14 points. Kenzie Thorpe, Bryan Sander and Taylor Wesley were also in double figures for the Chiefs, scoring 11 points apiece.

Ryan Sherman led Fayette with a team high 11 points.

Santa Fe will meet Concordia in the district title game on Friday.

Concordia 76, Slater 36

Slater's five-game winning streak came to a screeching halt on Wednesday night.

A bigger, stronger Concordia Orioles squad physically overwhelmed Slater on its way to a 76-36 semifinal victory.

The sixth-ranked Orioles dominated every facet of the game. Their stingy defense held Slater's most dangerous scoring threat, senior Aric Falls, to a meager four points in his final game as a Wildcat.

"It was a tough, physical game," said Slater head coach Brett Hayes. "I think all around their just a better team."

Senior Joey White of Concordia scored a game high 25, and senior Jacob Evans gave the Orioles (23-3) a solid 18-point effort.

Senior Casey Bryson led Slater (11-16) with eight points.

Despite losing in blowout fashion, Slater ends the season as winners of seven of their last nine games.

"It's something our kids and our school can be proud," Hayes said.