Panthers tumble 48-42 to Bears

HIAWATHA — Playing its first game in more than three weeks, the Concordia High School girls' basketball team fell 48-42 to third-seeded St. Mary's in the opening round of the Hiawatha Invitational on Wednesday.
Concordia, which had three games postponed because of inclement weather, had not played since a road win at Republic County back on January 2.
The Concordia-St. Mary's game had been scheduled for Tuesday night, but was pushed back a day because of weather conditions.
Sixth-seeded Concordia led St. Mary's 33-30 heading into the fourth quarter.
The Panthers went nearly 5:30 without scoring as the Bears put together a 13-0 run to go up 43-33.
"They (Bears) had two games, Friday and Monday, and this was our first game back. Not to make excuses, but just getting back into the groove for us was hard. We just need to stay aggressive and we just need to stop runs like that," Concordia coach Trey Kuhlman said.
Charlize Cash halted the Panthers' lengthy scoring drought in the final period when she drove to the basket, scored and was fouled with 2:35 remaining in the game.
Cash, who led Concordia with 17 points, made the free throw to get Concordia within seven points, 43-36.
The Panthers got a defensive stop and Kinsleigh Bethune knocked down a three-point shot to make it a 43-39 game.
St. Mary's scored the next five points to extend the lead to 48-39.
Freshman Hannah Bridwell, who was playing in her first game of the season after coming off an injury, hit a three to cut Concordia's deficit to six points, 48-42.
The Panthers then ran out of time.
"We have just got to move on and see if we can go 2-1 the rest of the week.
Concordia was scheduled to play host Hiawatha in the tournament consolation bracket on Friday afternoon.
St. Mary's advanced to the semifinals to take on Lafayette, Mo.
Lafayette downed Hiawatha 60-25 on Wednesday.
Rylie Jessup hit a three and Concordia scored the first five points against St. Mary's.
The Bears then used a 14-4 run to take a 14-9 lead.
Five straight points by Cash pulled Concordia even at 14-14.
Hayden Heim made one of two free throws, and St. Mary's was up 15-14 going into the second period.
The game was tied at 16-16 when two free throws by Taylor McDaniel and a three by Jessup gave Concordia a 21-16 advantage.
The Panthers would not score the final 5:18 of the first half.
St. Mary's tossed in 12 points, and led 28-21.
Concordia opened the second half with a 9-0 run to reclaim the lead at 30-28.
Heim made a short jumper to tie the game at 30-30. Those would be the only points in the third period for the Bears.
Bridwell made a three, and the Panthers were on top 33-30 going into the final period.
"I thought we had stretches where all of our girls were being aggressive. Being ready to catch and shoot," Kuhlman said.
St. Mary's then opened the fourth quarter with the decisive 13-0 spurt.
Cash was the only Panther to score in double figures.
Heim led St. Mary's with 22 points. Isabel Hurla added 12 points.

CONCORDIA (42)
Bisnette 0-0-1 0, Bethune 1-0-1 3, Jessup 2-0-0 6, Carlgren 3-0-5 6, Bridwell 2-0-1 6, Cash 7-2-1 17, McDaniel 1-2-3 4, Roush 0-0-2 0. Totals: 16-4-14 42.
ST. MARY'S (48)
Garland 0-0-3 0, Moylan 1-0-3 3, Smith 2-0-1 4, Heim 9-4-0 22, Hurla 4-1-0 12. Totals: 16-5-7 48.