Irish use strong second half, advance to state semifinals

LINCOLN - Falls City Sacred Heart's redemption tour got off to a good start Monday morning as it defeated Wynot 46-29 in the first round of girls state basketball tournament in Lincoln. The Irish finished as the runners-up in 2021 and have championship aspirations in 2022.

The top-seeded Irish got off to a sluggish start offensively, but turned up the intensity on both ends of the floor from the second quarter on. The Blue Devils offense stalled in the second quarter as they only put 2 points on the scoreboard. 

FCSH extended its 7-point halftime to 18 in the fourth, scoring majority of its points in the post between seniors Rachel Magdanz and Erison Vonderschmidt. The duo combined for 31 points unofficially to lead the offensive attack for the Irish.

Foul trouble hindered the effectiveness of seniors Karley Heimes and Amy Tramp for much of the game for Wynot. Heimes picked up her third in the second quarter and had to sit for the remainder of the half, allowing FCSH to pull away. 

FCSH improved to 25-3 and extended its winning streak to 17 games. The Irish will take on Sterling in the semifinals Wednesday, March 9 at 6 p.m. at the Devaney Sports Center.

Wynot finishes the season as 15-11.