Independence throws up roadblock to Panthers’ postseason run 42–24

By NATE BEIER | For the County Line

Royall’s hopes of advancing to the sectional round of the WIAA tournament were dashed Monday night as second-seeded Independence upended the third-seeded Panthers 42–24.

The Panthers came out of the gate with the hot hand, taking advantage of the Indees’ defensive scheme. The home team made adjustments, however, and surpassed Royall shortly afterward. Independence led 28–17 at the break, and then held Royall to just seven second-half points.

Cheyenne Harris scored 10 in the losing effort. Jessica Brueggeman added 6, and Paige Britzman and Emma Gruen each had 4.  Brueggeman pulled in 10 rebounds; and Harris, eight. Madeline Wainwright’s five steals led the team.

Independence, which won the Dairyland Small Conference title, was 16-46 in shooting compared with Royall’s 8–30. Royall was only 1–12 in 3-point tries, while IHS was 1–4, but was​ 15–42 in 2-point tries.

The loss was the third regional championship defeat in the past 10 seasons. The last time Royall advanced beyond the regional level was in the late 1970s.

Despite the loss, the Panthers finish the season winning nine of their last 10 games, ending 19–6 overall and 11–3 in league play, which ties them with Necedah for second place.

Royall 52, Weston 26

Royall kicked off the regional tournament by doubling up Weston on Feb. 19 in a Division 5 regional quarterfinal.

The Gruen cousins, Emma and Kaylin, combined for 25 points.  Emma led the way with 13; Kaylin had 12 in the opening-round game. The defense forced 27 turnovers, led by Wainwright with six; Emma Gruen, five; Harris, five; and Tenley Wopat, four.

Royall 58, Lincoln 48

The Panthers had a big night at the free-throw line against Lincoln in a Division 5 regional semifinal on Feb. 21 at Royall High School, leading to a 10-point win.

Royall was 23–38 in free throws against Lincoln.  Plenty of those points came at the end as the Hornets tried to stage a comeback in the second half.

Emma Gruen led all scorers with 19 points.  Gruen was 5–7 from the floor and 9–9 in free throws.  Harris added 13; Britzman, 7; and Wainwright, 7.

Lincoln won the turnover battle 33–26 and outrebounded Royall 28–25, but couldn’t overcome a slow half start, trailing 32–14 by intermission.

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