Blogging live from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro's Fleming Gym for the 2A Western Region girls basketball semifinals.
FINAL: Bandys 60, North Surry 49
The Lady Trojans were guided by 33 points from sophomore guard and reigning CVAC player of the year Madi Story. Senior post player Taylor Sigmon added 10 points in the victory.
The Trojans (25-2) led 32-28 in the first half behind 19 points from Madi Story.
The sophomore guard was 9-for-13 from the field in the first half, grabbed six rebounds and recorded two steals.
The Trojans took an early 16-14 lead in the first quarter after Taylor Sigmon hit a last-second shot to lift her team up by two after the opening stanza.
Despite a close first-half score, Bandys maintained a lead throughout the first half and pulled to its biggest lead with a last second shot by Story in the second quarter.
Bandys continued its pace in the third quarter, growing its lead to seven points behind six points from Story, including four from the free throw line.
The Trojans lead 47-42 after three quarters.
Bandys was clutch down the line, making 6-of-8 free throws in the final quarter — all by Story — to seal the victory.
Wilkes Central 48, East Burke 45
A three-pointer by Kristen Shumaker with 7.6 seconds left lifted the Lady Eagles of West Wilkes to the West Regional final.
Shumaker scored a game-high 12 points, including four three-pointers. Martha Mastin and Katie Ryder added 11 points each.
Sydney Haas led East Burke with 14 points, while Lauren Arney added 13 points.
The Lady Cavaliers trailed 26-20 at the half with 10 points from post player Sydney Haas in the half.
West Wilkes' leading scorer is Paige Love with nine points, while Kirsten Shumaker connected on two three-pointers and has six points in the first half.
East Burke fell behind by nine entering the fourth quarter, but erased a deficit, including five points from Bailey Gragg.
Tied in the closing moments, a late three-point in the corner by Shumaker gave the Lady Eagles the victory.
Wilkes Central advances to Saturday's West Regional semifinal Saturday at 4 p.m. against either Bandys or North Surry.