LAUREL — The Wibaux Longhorns are off to the Class C girls basketball state tournament for the first time in more than 20 years as they held off a pesky Bridger squad 47-41 in a Southern C challenge game on Monday night.
Wibaux guard Marni Schieffer can’t wait to get back home and celebrate with the community on Tuesday.
“I think it means a lot, because for Wibaux sports it’s a huge deal. Like, we’ve always been pretty good at sports, so going to state not for 25 years in girls basketball, it’s been a long time for us,” Schieffer said. “So going to it is a huge thing for the community.”
The Longhorns got off to a fast start and led by eight points after the first 12 minutes of action. Bridger closed the half strong, including two straight triples from Emily Adkins, as the Scouts trailed by only two at 27-25.
Wibaux took control in third quarter and it was Schieffer who led the way. The junior guard showed off her passing and scoring skills as the Longhorns outscored the Scouts 9-3 to take an eight-point lead to the fourth.
The lead never got below six in the final quarter as Schieffer continued her dishing magic. Schieffer’s assists led to easy buckets down low as the Longhorns eliminated any chance of a Bridger rally.
It took six long days in Laurel, but it was a dream ending for the Longhorns. Despite the quick turnaround, Wibaux could not wait to get on the bus and head back home.
Head coach Travis Bertelsen said they all need to get a couple nights of good sleep before getting back to the grind.
“These girls want to sleep in their own beds, and I”m the same way. Yeah, so we’ll head back, we’ll head back to Wibaux, get to work (Tuesday) and head up probably Wednesday afternoon, head up to Great Falls,” Bertelsen said. “It’s a quick turnaround. I know the girls will be excited to be home (Monday), they’re going to sleep at home (Monday and Tuesday), and then we have to get right back on the road. We’re ready to come play. It’s going to be exciting.”
The Longhorns’ march to a state championship begins Thursday in Great Falls.
