Posted on 24 February 2009 by Jeff Linder
By Jeff Linder
The Gazette
CEDAR RAPIDS — Kaylee Gibney clutched the royal blue state-qualifier banner and said to nobody in particular:
“What do I do with this thing?”
Hold it tight. Treasure it.
Jonathan D. Woods photos/The Gazette - Cedar Rapids Xavier’s Caitlin Kray (left), McKenna Miller (center) and Tyler Sampson celebrate after the Saints defeated Cedar Rapids Washington, 53-45, last night in a Class 4A regional final at the U.S. Cellular Center in Cedar Rapids.
Cedar Rapids Xavier advanced to state for the fifth consecutive year by defeating Cedar Rapids Washington, 53-45, in a Class 4A regional final girls’ basketball game last night at the U.S. Cellular Center.
“It feels marvelous to move up to 4A, still be competitive and still be successful,” said Xavier Coach Tom Lilly.
Xavier qualified the last four years as a 3A school.
As the 13th-ranked Saints (15-8) celebrated, a fan shouted, “Now let’s go shock the world!”
Xavier will meet No. 1 Linn-Mar in a state quarterfinal at 1 p.m. next Wednesday at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines. The Lions (23-0) handled Cedar Rapids Jefferson last night, 53-30.
Xavier lost to the Lions twice in the regular season but played them as evenly as anyone.
“We’re excited,” said Colleen Bouchard, who led the Saints with 13 points. “We’re going to go out there, play hard and make them earn it.”
The Saints prevailed despite losing Caitlin Kray early to a shoulder injury. They did so behind splendid free-throw shooting (21 of 24). And they did so because of tremendous bench play — Xavier enjoyed a 17-0 advantage in bench points.
Alex Saxen scored a career-high 12 points and grabbed a key steal in the final minute with the Warriors (14-8) within two points and owning momentum.
“I was just anticipating the pass, playing Xavier basketball,” Saxen said.
Bouchard was fouled and made both free throws with 0:42 left to push the lead to 47-43. Gibney hit two foul shots, then Saxen hit four in a row to ice the outcome.
Saxen played a lot early in the season, saw her minutes dwindle somewhat, then played a key role Tuesday.
“I just wanted a chance to prove myself again,” she said.
Saxen’s layup gave Xavier a 41-31 lead early in the fourth quarter, but back-to-back baskets by Renesa Smith-Taylor allowed the Warriors to creep within 45-43 with 1:50 to go. Washington had a chance to tie, but Saxen’s steal shifted the pendulum Xavier’s way for good.
The Warriors had qualified for state four straight years.
“I guess we’ll have to buy a ticket this year,” said Washington Coach Frank Howell.
“The two halves were (opposites). The first half, we defended well and had trouble scoring. The second half, we had more rhythm offensively and gave up too many second-effort plays.”
Washington’s Camille Marie-Lidd led all players with 17 points.
Xavier led, 12-7, after one quarter. The Warriors opened the second period with an 8-2 run to take their first — and only — lead. The Saints closed the half with a 12-2 surge and led, 26-17, at intermission.
Contact the writer: (319) 368-8857 or jeff.linder@gazcomm.com
Cedar Rapids Xavier guard Hannah Breitbach defends Cedar Rapids Washington guard Alissa Oney during the first half of last night’s Class 4A regional final at the U.S. Cellular Center in Cedar Rapids. The Saints advanced to state for the fifth straight season with at 53-45 victory. Jonathan D Woods/The Gazette
