The Huskies defeated Wichita Heights in the quarterfinal round of state at Charles Koch Arena in Wichita, March, 10.

The score remained close throughout the game, with neither team able to pull ahead. Wichita-Heights entered the matchup ranked No. 1 and undefeated, but the Huskies relied on strong defense to stay in the game. 

Senior Regan Becker said that playing defense was a key component of the game, as Wichita-Heights had an athletic, aggressive style of play. 

“We knew they were really athletic, and they could hit good shots out of nowhere and I think our defense really got us that win,” Becker said. 

During the first quarter, the Huskies got off to a strong start with multiple three-point shots, unanswered by the Falcons. As the quarter continued, the Falcons put points on the board as the Huskies led them 17-11.

As the second quarter began, the Falcons came out with solid shots and rebounds. Though the Huskies managed to keep up, the Falcons began to pull ahead, bringing the score at halftime to 31-25. 

Head Coach Jeffrey Piggie said the team expected Wichita-Heights to have bursts of consistent scores and aggressive moves.

“We knew they would make a run in the second quarter,” Piggie said. “They withstood it and started doing adjustments and following through.” 

After halftime, both of the teams traded baskets in the third quarter, keeping the score within 5 points. Wichita-Heights continued to apply pressure, but the Huskies played defensively, with the Huskies leading 43-37 at the end of the third quarter. 

In the fourth quarter, the game came down to the final moments, with the Huskies exchanging leads with the Wichita-Heights. As the final seconds of the game struck, Becker made a free throw to extend the Huskies’ lead by one, winning them the game shortly after.  

Piggie said his team didn’t feel pressure during this game, despite facing an undefeated opponent.

“There was no pressure from us. Nobody expected us to win,” Piggie said. “We felt that we expected to win, but there was no pressure on us. We just played good ball together.” 

Senior Rylie Edwards said the team had focused on keeping the same mindset throughout the tournament.

“Just staying aggressive and remembering why we’re here is definitely an important purpose,” Edwards said. 

The win sends the Huskies to the semifinals of the state tournament in Wichita on March 12, with a chance to compete in the spot for the championship 

“We get to play another day,” Piggie said. “I’m happy to be with this group, and I love these kids.”