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Three area teams one step from state

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Audi Crooks and Bishop Garrigan will play for a Class 1A state berth on Wednesday night.

Three area girls teams will compete for a spot in the state tournament Wednesday.

In Cherokee, No. 1 and defending Class 1A state champion Newell-Fonda takes on Woodbury Central, fourth-rated Bishop Garrigan battles East Buchanan in Hampton and No. 14 Emmetsburg tackles fifth-ranked Osage in Garner in 2A.

Tip is set for 7 p.m. in all three games.

The Mustangs (23-0 overall) lead the state in points, averaging 77.7 per night. They shoot 49 percent from the field.

Macy Sievers leads the attack at 14 points per game with Maggie Walker at 13, Bailey Sievers 10.4 and Ella Larsen 9.6. Megan Morenz, Mary Walker and Ellie Lago all average at least six.

Last year, Newell-Fonda went a perfect 27-0, giving them a 50-game win streak. They are 76-1 over the past three years, with the lone loss coming in the 2018 title game, and 96-5 since 2016.

Woodbury Central (18-5) has won four in a row and is led by Maddie Paulsen, a 21-point scorer.

The Golden Bears (22-1) are led by Audi Crooks, the daughter of Jimmie Crooks. The 6-foot-3 freshman averages 23.3 points per game on 71 percent shooting with 11 rebounds a night.

Molly Joyce, also a ninth-grader, averages 18 points and leads the team with 93 steals to go along with 57 made 3-pointers.

Garrigan qualified for state in 2018.

East Buchanan (17-7) has won five in a row and eight of 11 overall. Erica Hoffman averages 12 points per game.

Emmetsburg (17-5) gave N-F one of its closest games, falling 55-44. The E-Hawks have won three in a row and 12 of 14. Molly Schany averages a team-high 18.6 points, shooting 60 percent from the field. She is also the leader in rebounds with 178.

Osage is 21-2.

Also, Fort Dodge Senior High will host a 2A final between second-ranked West Hancock and No. 15 Panorama. That game begins at 7 p.m. inside the Dodger gym.

Class 1A Regional Finals

Wednesday’s Games

Region 1

LeMars Gehlen (14-9) vs. Kingsley-Pierson (20-4)

Region 2

Bishop Garrigan (22-1) vs. East Buchanan (17-7)

Region 3

Saint Ansgar (20-2) vs. Central Elkader (21-3)

Region 4

Bellevue Marquette (22-1) vs. Burlington-ND (20-4)

Region 5

Montezuma (22-1) vs. Springville (20-4)

Region 6

North Mahaska (20-2) vs. Martensdale-St. Mary’s (17-8)

Region 7

Exira-EHK (21-1) vs. Council Bluffs St. Albert (12-11)

Region 8

Newell-Fonda (23-0) vs. Woodbury Central (18-5)

Class 2A Regional Finals

Wednesday’s Games

Region 1

Western Christian (16-7) vs. Central Lyon (18-5)

Region 2

Osage (21-2) vs. Emmetsburg (17-5)

Region 3

West Hancock (23-1) vs. Panorama (20-3)

Region 4

Grundy Center (16-7) vs. Denver (16-8)

Region 5

Cascade (24-0) vs. Iowa City Regina (16-7)

Region 6

West Branch (20-3) vs. Van Buren County (21-3)

Region 7

North Linn (21-2) vs. Van Meter (15-8)

Region 8

Logan-Magnolia (20-3) vs. AHSTW (20-3)

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