Grand Meadow’s Defense Holds Strong To Top Blooming Prairie

The #2 state-ranked Grand Meadow Superlarks, Section 1A #1 seed, took it down to the wire against #8 seeded Blooming Prairie but the Superlarks defense stepped up late to earn a 49-43 win in the Section Quarterfinals.

The Superlarks jumped out to a 12-4 lead early in the first half behind strong play from senior Jordyn Glynn and Riley Queensland. The two combined for 21 of the Superlarks 28 first-half points.

Blooming Prairie's slow start to the half didn't last long, as they quickly went on a run of their own to trim the lead down to four, 20-16, with just over 5 minutes to go in the half. Queensland hit a 3 to extend the lead back out to help Grand Meadow take a 28-24 lead into the break.

The teams battled throughout the second half, and Blooming Prairie took a hard run late in the half, getting a key 3 from Julia Worke to cut the lead to two, 40-38. Then senior Skylar Cotten on the next possession hit a huge 3 to bring the lead back to five and the Blossoms couldn't come back from. Grand Meadow would hold Blooming Prairie to three points in the final four minutes to secure the 49-43 win.

Grand Meadow will take on Lyle/Pacelli in the Section Semifinals Saturday afternoon. It is scheduled for a 4 pm tipoff.

Queensland finished with 16 points to lead Grand Meadow, while Glynn finished with 14 and Cotten added in 12. Blooming Prairie was led by sophomore Megan Oswald with 16 points and 15 rebounds in the loss. The Blossoms finished their season with a  record of 13-10.

KVGO Subway Player of the Game (Grand Meadow) - Skylar Cotten

KVGO Subway Player of the Game (Blooming Prairie) - Megan Oswald

Kingsley Mercantile Game Ball (Grand Meadow) - Riley Queensland