PUEBLO — Stacy Post has struggled at the free-throw line during the last couple of weeks.
That’s not the case anymore.
Post calmly sank four consecutive free throws in the final 16.8 seconds, propelling the top-seeded and Class 2A defending state champion Wray Eagles to a dramatic 52-49 state girls basketball tournament semifinal victory Friday over Meeker at CSU-Pueblo’s Massari Arena.
“I haven’t been shooting free throws very well at all,” said Post, a senior. “I was so nervous, I was shaking. But, I just knew I had to make those free throws. Oh, my gosh, this is such a great win.”
Wray (25-1) advances to play Paonia, which defeated Hayden late Friday night. Wray is aiming for its seventh girls crown in school history.
Post’s first two conversions from the line at 16.8 seconds gave Wray a 50-49 edge. On Meeker’s next possession, Marki Cook dribbled past Wray defenders and shot a short jumper that hit off the right side of the backboard. Post grabbed the rebound and was fouled with 8.3 seconds left. She converted two free throws. Cook took the inbound pass and dribbled frantically up the court and fired a desperation 3-pointer that missed as time expired.
“That first shot Marki took was a good shot, it just didn’t fall,” Meeker coach Hallie Blunt said. “The second shot Marki took, Wray just played good defense.”
Paonia 48, Hayden 33
Jordyn Rienks poured in a game-high 16 points as the Eagles (25-1) advanced to the state finals. Paonia meets defending champion Wray at 7 p.m. today.
Paonia has never won a boys or girls state basketball title. The boys were second last year and the girls finished a school-best third in 1991.
“This was our goal — to get to this (state championship) game, and the girls aren’t satisfied just being here,” Rienks said. “Wray is very well- coached team and we have our work cut out for us, but I know my girls will be ready to play.”
Paonia utilized a 17-7 third-quarter run to get past Hayden.
“Their press was the difference,” Hayden coach Eric Hamilton said. “They just kept coming at us and coming at us and they wore us down.” Tracy Renck, Special to The Denver Post
