FORT WAYNE – Bailey Kelham hit two free throws in the final seconds to lift the Garrett Railroaders to a 50-49 win over Woodlan in Class 3A girls basketball sectional final action Saturday night at Concordia High School.
It was a night that saw the Railroaders jump in front early, taking a 20-7 advantage at the end of one period.
Garrett expanded the lead to 28-10 at the halfway point of the contest before Woodlan cut into the deficit in the third quarter, outscoring the Railroaders 15-10 to close the gap to 38-25 entering the final period.
The Lady Warriors came all the way, taking a 49-48 lead with 20 seconds remaining on a basket by Avah Smith.
However, Kelham’s last second heroics proved to be the deciding points and advance Garrett down the tournament trail.
Kelham led the way for the Lady Railroaders with 22 points and five rebounds while Aida Haynes chipped in 13 markers and a pair of boards.
Maddy Schenkel aided the Garrett cause with seven points and seven assists followed by Kelsey Bergman (four points, five rebounds), Emma LaPato (three points, seven rebounds, two assists) and Delaeni Hixson (one point, 13 rebounds).
The contest brought an end to the Woodlan career of seven seniors including Gabi Klopfenstein, Briana Roney, Zoe Eager, Avah Smith, Kaitlyn Crosby, Addie Goheen and Kate Spangler.
Goheen led the way for the Lady Warriors with 18 points, five rebounds and six assists with Smith adding 13 markers, six rebounds, two assists and three steals.
Taylor Kneubuhler chipped in nine points and five boards for Woodlan while Roney posted four points and two rebounds. Crosby (three points, two rebounds), Brooke Kneubuhler (two points, two rebounds, four assists) and Klopfenstein (three rebounds, two steals) also contributed for the Lady Warriors, who close the season with a record of 20-5.
