SHELBY — The Shelby girls advanced to the State B tournament for the first time since 1997 after defeating Harlem 53-45 in the semifinals at the Northern B girls basketball divisional tournament. Meanwhile, Malta used a monster second half to move past Fairfield 67-44, setting up a meeting with the Coyotes in the divisional title game.
Shelby 53, Harlem 45
After a blistering, back-and-forth affair for three quarters, the Shelby girls held Harlem to just four points in the fourth, holding on for a 53-45 victory to clinch the first State B appearance for the Coyotes since 1997.
Maddison Underdal scored 17 points and Kendall Anderson added 12 on the strength of four 3-pointers. L'Tia Lawrence scored 16 for Harlem and Taya Trottier added 14. Harlem, the defending Northern B champion, will have to win two loser-out games on Saturday to take the third and final spot.
Malta 67, Fairfield 44
After leading by three at halftime, Malta outscored Fairfield by 20 in the second half to win 67-44, advancing to the title game and clinching a spot at the State B tournament.
Madison Williamson scored 16 points to lead the M-Ettes. Kylee Nelson added 10.
Kenna Pitcher scored 20 for the Eagles, who play Glasgow on Saturday morning in loser-out action.
