The Crest High School Lady Lancers are poised to capture their first War on 54 championship in recent memory after defeating the Iola Mustangs in the semifinals. The Lancers will face the Eureka Tornados, ranked fourth in the state by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association, in the title game scheduled for tonight, March 15, 2024.
In the semifinal matchup on Thursday, Crest secured their place in the final with a hard-fought 39-32 victory over Iola. The Lady Lancers, competing at the 1A level, demonstrated resilience against the 3A Mustangs, overcoming a tight game that saw them only one basket ahead after the third quarter. Crest coach Steve Zimmerman praised his team’s efforts, stating, “I can’t remember the last time we played in the War on 54 finals. I can’t tell you how proud I am of the whole team.”
The Lancers went on a decisive 22-11 run in the final quarter, propelled by a man-to-man, full-court press strategy implemented by Zimmerman. Senior guard Josie Walter highlighted the challenge of guarding Iola’s leading scorer, Brooklyn Holloway, saying, “She’s quick. Coach Zimmerman had me face guard her, which made me a little nervous because at any moment she could break away and make a layup.”
On the offensive front, senior guard Aylee Beckmon led Crest with 13 points, while senior guard Kaelin Nilges contributed 11 points, including two pivotal three-pointers in the fourth quarter that shifted the momentum of the game. Nilges remarked, “It ticked me off when they said we can’t shoot the three. I’m normally not a shooter, but when I get mad, I tend to play better.”
The Lady Lancers are now 11-1 for the season and have extended their winning streak to six games. Beckmon acknowledged the motivation that comes from competing against larger programs, noting, “They’re going to play well against us. We train and come to play for whatever, and it pays off.”
The Iola Mustangs, despite their defeat, showed determination throughout the game. Coach Emily Sigg reflected on the challenges faced, stating, “We had a good defensive strategy, and it showed because we held them to 6 and 7 points in the first and second quarters.” However, the team struggled offensively, managing only 22 points in the second half.
As the championship game approaches, the Lady Lancers are preparing for a strong challenge from Eureka. The Tornados are expected to come out firing, and both teams are eager to claim the title. The outcome of the tournament will be closely watched by the community, as Crest seeks to add a championship victory to its storied athletic history.
Results from Friday’s third-place game between Iola and Anderson County were not available at press time, but the focus remains firmly on the championship showdown. The anticipation is palpable as fans and players alike await the final match of the War on 54 tournament.
