BLACK HILLS— W.F. West is state-bound for the 11th time in 12 years after a clutch 52-31 victory over R.A. Long in a winner-to-regionals, loser-out game at Black Hills High School on Wednesday.
“It feels great to make it back to the state tournament,” W.F. West coach Kyle Karnofski said. “I know I’m excited, but our players are extremely excited as well. It’s something you strive for and to not have it last year was unfortunate.
“It’s an experience that is unlike anything else and I’m proud of this group, and glad they get to experience it once again.”
W.F. West senior Drea Brumfield was dominant in all aspects Wednesday, scoring a game-high 21 points to go with 10 rebounds, seven blocks and three dimes. Eight Bearcats in total scored points as they rebounded from a loss to Hudson’s Bay in the district semifinals on Monday.
The Bearcats started off slow in the first quarter, then reeled off a 14-4 run in the second quarter to outdistance the Lumberjills for good and secure the win.
“R.A. Long is a good team and they’ve been hot, and they gave us a good game,” Karnofski said. “We did a good job defensively on (Miranda) Lomax.”
Karnofski praised the defense of Lexi Roberts, Makayla Mencke, Morgan Rogerson and Amanda Bennett for their defensive effort, helping the Bearcats hold R.A. Long to just 10 points in the first half and single-digit scoring in three quarters.
Point guard Kyla McCallum nearly notched a triple-double with eight points, nine rebounds and 11 assists. Rogerson tallied seven points, while Bennett and Roberts each added two steals and two assists.
The Bearcats now await the Class 2A regional matchups to see who their next opponent will be.
