Stratford's steal seals the deal for Lady 'Cats

Bronaugh Lady Wildcats guard Taylor Stratford, scores on a lay-in late in the fourth quarter of Thursday night's tournament semifinal matchup with Liberal. The victory propelled Bronaugh into Saturday's tournament championship game. (Submitted photo)

LIBERAL, Mo., ---- In a Thursday night thriller, the third-seeded Bronaugh Lady Wildcats knocked off the second-seeded Liberal Lady Bulldogs 46-43 to advance to the championship game of the Tony Dubray Classic.

Bronaugh vs. Liberal is turning into quite the rivalry, as the two squads met last week in the semifinals of the Golden City Tournament, with Liberal prevailing 39-34.

Thursday night's contest was tight from wire-to-wire, as the game was tied 33-33 near the midpoint of the fourth quarter.

Bronaugh senior Mandy Murphy (20) finds teammate Riley Knapp (21) open under the basket, late in the fourth quarter. (Submitted photo)

With just under a minute remaining in regulation, senior guard Taylor Stratford came up with a back-court steal, finishing at the other end with the lay-in to put Bronaugh on top 43-40 ---- a lead they would not relinquish. In addition to Stratford's big defensive play, sophomore Riley Knapp knocked down a late free throw to extend Bronaugh's lead.

For the Lady 'Cats, senior forward Katey Rider dropped in a game high 22 points, followed by Riley Knapp with 8; Mandy Murphy, 8; Stratford, 5; and Becca Raper, 3.

Bronaugh (13-2) next faces fifth-seeded Colgan, with the tournament championship at stake. Colgan advanced to the title game after upsetting No. 1 seed Lockwood in the semifinals. Tip off for the championship game is slated for Saturday at 6 p.m..

Bronaugh Lady Wildcats head coach Daryl Dodson, rejoices after his squad edged Liberal 46-43 in the semifinals of the Tony Dunray Classic, Thursday night at Liberal High School. (Submitted photo)