PUEBLO, Colo.—This game was in need of a hero, and Stacy Post delivered.
Post calmly sank four consecutive free throws in the final 16.8 seconds, propelling the top-seeded and defending state champion Eagles to the dramatic 52-49 victory over Meeker in a Class 2A state semifinal girls game Friday night Colorado State University-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 (25-1) in the state finals. Wray is aiming for its seventh state girls’ basketball crown in school history. The Eagles defeated Grand Valley 48-47 in the title game a year ago. Paonia defeated Hayden 48-33 in the other semi late Friday night.
“Those were some huge free throws by Stacy,” Wray coach Dave Reed said. “This wasn’t our best game, but the girls just found a way to win.”
Scott Rienks, Paonia’s coach, is thrilled to have his team playing for a state crown. 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. “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.”
Jordyn Rienks, the coach’s daughter, had a game-high 16 points.
Post’s first two conversions from the charity stripe 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 second left. She once again drilled two free throws. Cook took the inbound pass and dribbled frantically up the court and fired a desperation trey from just past halfcourt that failed to hit the rim as time expired.
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Information from: The Pueblo Chieftain,
