Lady Shoes Suffer Gut-Wrenching Loss in State Championship Game

(THE TEUTOPOLIS LADY SHOES POSE AFTER RECEIVING THEIR SECOND PLACE TROPHY)

The Teutopolis Lady Shoes fell in the state semifinals last season to Chicago Marshall 45-43 in double overtime after leading for much of the game. They bounced back to win the third place game.

This year was even worse.

The Lady Shoes led until the final minutes against Chicago Marshall this time, but Marshall came from behind to win 47-44 and capture the 2A state championship for the second season in a row.

Marshall outscored T-Town 17-5 in the fourth quarter to capture the three-point win.

The looks on the faces of the Lady Shoes coaches and players after the game was enough to let you know the result even if you didn't know the score. Shock and disappointment was seen all around.

(THE LADY SHOES POLITELY APPLAUD AS CHICAGO MARSHALL RECEIVES THE FIRST PLACE TROPHY)

For much of the game, it appeared the result would be a different story than last season. Teutopolis led 12-3 after one quarter and 28-18 at halftime. Still, the Lady Shoes had led by 12 at halftime last season so nothing was taken for granted.

Marshall began a charge midway through the third quarter and trimmed the deficit to five before four Olivia Niemerg free throws pushed the lead back to nine, 39-30 as the game headed to the fourth quarter.

Then things began to crumble. Shots began to fall for Marshall while the Lady Shoes had a tough time cashing in. There were a couple of costly turnovers. Finally, the Commandos hit a shot with about 2:00 remaining to take their first lead of the game and the Lady Shoes couldn't mount a comeback. 

Teutopolis fouled and Marshall hit both free throws to go ahead by three with seconds remaining. The Lady Shoes got the ball down the floor. It appeared one official called a foul on a three-point attempt from the corner but Teutopolis had called a timeout just ahead of the play. With one second remaining, the Lady Shoes inbounded the ball but the tying three point try hit the rim and bounced off to end the game.

The Lady Shoes made 15 of 39 shots, 39% from the field, 11 of 22 for 50% in the first half, and 4 of 17 for 24% in the second half. The Shoes were 12 of 16 from the line, committed 15 turnovers, seven in the fourth quarter, grabbed 26 rebounds, and made 2 of 13 threes.

Marshall made 18 of 36 shots, 50%, 7 of 15 in the first half, 11 of 21 in the second half. Marshall made 6 of 11 foul shots, turned the ball over 13 times and pulled down 21 rebounds while making 5 of 11 threes.

(A HIGHLIGHT OF SATURDAY NIGHT'S GAME WAS AT HALFTIME WHEN THE LADY SHOES 1989 CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM WAS HONORED)

Lexie Niebrugge led Teutopolis with 13 points, but none in the second half. Claire Bushur scored 12 points, although Marshall held her to two points in the second half. Morgan Mette scored nine points, Olivia Niemerg scored four points, and Sadie Bueker and Hope Bueker each scored three points, with Sadie grabbing eight rebounds.

Jalen Jimenez led Chicago Marshall with 11 points.

Teutopolis closes out its campaign with a 33-5 record and Laurie Thompson's fourth top three finish. The victory marked Chicago Marshall's Dorothy Gaters' 10th state championship in her 44 years as Commandos coach. They finished the season with a 27-8 mark.

A reminder of a Welcome Home for the Lady Shoes today. A parade and fire truck trip through Teutopolis will begin at the high school at 12:30pm, with a reception to follow in J.H. Griffin Gym at about 1pm.

St. Joseph-Ogden won the third place game, defeating Hillsboro 68-53.

Danville Schlarsman won the 1A championship, defeating Lanark Eastland 62-36. Lewistown won the third place game, 67-53, over Tri-County.