Shayna Tharp’s game tying three point attempt with three seconds left was off the mark and the rebound was pulled down by Walnut Grove, who held the ball and held on for a wire to wire win in clinching their third straight Girls Class 1 basketball title by knocking off the Eagles 48-45. The Tigers finish off the 2014-15 season by going 31-1. The Eagles end the year 23-7.
Naylor outscored Walnut Grove 15-9 in the fourth quarter and had two chances to tie late. Garcie Gargac was at the free throw line in the final minute with a chance to tie, but only made one of two to make it a 46-45 game. Walnut Grove hit two free throws, setting up one final chance for the Eagles.
Tharp led Naylor with 11 points on just 3 of 10 shooting.
Raylie Hejna led Walnut Grove with 17, Audree Crain had 12 and senior Jaycie Dishman finished with 10.
The Tigers shot 44% for the game, and made crucial free throws late, finishing 12 of 14 at the line. Naylor forced Walnut Grove into 14 turnovers and the Eagles came up with nine steals to help fight their way back into the game in the fourth.
Missourinet’s one on one with Dishman on coming over to a new school and pressures of winning a third straight title.
Walnut Grove head coach Rory Henry’s postgame comments