ORIGINALLY WRITTEN STAFF
The HILLSBORO TROJAN GIRLS advanced to the finals of the Southeast of Saline Invitational Thursday night with a 50-45 win over Class 5A Salina South.
Except for brief stints in the first quarter, Hillsboro led all night, including a 24-15 lead at the half.
Hillsboro still led by nine points with just under six minutes to play in the game. Then the Cougars put on a late charge and pulled within two points, 45-43, with 58 seconds to go. But Trojan senior Heather Matz hit two crucial baskets down low to preserve the win.
Angela Kroeker led a balanced Trojan scoring attack with 12 points, including 10 of 11 free throws. Jill Hein added 10 points, Matz nine and Angela Herzet eight to pace Hillsboro, who moved to 10-1 on the year.
As a team, Hillsboro made 16 of 23 from the charity stripe.
Tomorrow night, the Trojans will play for the championship against another 5A school, Junction City, who defeated Concordia, 54-49, in the other semifinal matchup. Game time tomorrow is 8 p.m.
