BOARDMAN GIRLS LIVE | Final

The Spartans road to a State Championship has finally come to an end here tonight in Columbus, as Lakota West took the Semifinal game 60-42.

Lakota West's Amber Gray was the game-high scorer with 20 points. Courtney Schiffauer provided most of the offense for the Spartans, but her night was cut short, fouling out with 5 minutes left to play. She ended the night with 15 points and 6 rebounds. Darryce Moore, another crucial part of the Lady Spartans, also fouled out early in the 4th quarter.

The Spartans have nothing to hold their head low about - getting to compete in Columbus for a State Championship for the second time in history. Quite an honor.

Third Quarter

Only 2 points have been scored in the 3rd quarter with a little less than 4 minutes to go. Boardman has been running a spread offense, while Lakota West has been cold to start the second half.

Coach Moschella and the Spartans need to figure out a plan to work past this physical Lakota West defense to keep their dream of a State Championship alive.

At halftime, the Spartans trail 34-24.

Ms. Basketball Amber Gray is leading Lakota West with a total of 9 points, followed by Alexis Rogers with 8 points. Lakota West played a very physical first half, as Boardman looked as though they weren't expecting a very physical game tonight. The Spartans have 11 turnovers, but are winning the battle on the boards 12 to 10.

Boardman has been able to settle their nerves a little bit, and are starting to come around. The Spartans are starting to play smarter and more physical in the post. Boardman's lead by Courtney Schiffauer with 11 points, and Darryce Moore with 8 points.

More to come with the action in the second half.

Second Quarter

Amber Gray is leading Lakota West with 9 points, as the Spartans trail by 8 after a quarter of play 16-8.

Boardman needs to play smarter, and cleaner basketball if they want to go on to play for a Division I Championship tomorrow. Costly turnovers continue to haunt the Spartans on offense, which Lakota West has been able to capitalize on.

A couple turnovers have been costing the Spartans early in the first quarter as they have only attempted five shots in the first four minutes.

Gray has been a a definite influence on the game - holding 5 of the 7 Lakota West points. Schiffauer has Boardman's only points so far. Boardman trails 7-2.

Some quick game notes:

Lakota West finished #3 in the final AP Poll, and currently ranked #14 in the USA Today National Poll. This is their first trip to the State Tournament for the Firebirds.

Boardman has reached their second Final Four Appearance this year, their first coming in 2005.

Pretty good crowd considering the weather. Boardman is definitely louder, and the students aren't bad singers - as they sang the Star Spangled Banner.

Tip off next!!

Countdown to gametime: 25 minutes

Boardman has been out for the last 20 minutes shooting around preparing for their Division I Semifinal contest against Ms. Basketball Amber Gray and the Lakota West Firebirds.

Spartan students are slowly filing in, but a nice showing for the terrible weather.

Another update to come in the middle of the first quarter.