Fleming Lady Wildcats enter post season at #11 - Exit State Tournament in sixth place

The Fleming Lady Wildcats made their way into the Regional/State tournament bracket a few shorts weeks ago as the number 11 seed. After Regional victories over 22nd ranked Arickaree and sixth ranked Kiowa, the Lady Wildcats earned their spot in 1A's Great Eight.

Following last weekend's 1A State appearance, the Lady Wildcats finished their season as the sixth place team in Colorado - five slots higher than where they entered.

The Lady Wildcats took a first round loss to the third ranked Briggsdale Lady Falcons on Thursday. That contest marked the third between the two teams this season and closed at 47-31, Briggsdale. The Lady Falcons would go on to win the Championship on Saturday.

Returning to the court on Friday for the opening round of the consolation bracket, the Lady Wildcats defeated 10th seeded Kit Carson. That back and forth battle closed with Fleming on top by just two points 37-35.

Friday's win over Kit Carson allowed Fleming to move into Consolation Championship on Saturday against fifth ranked Stratton. Stratton would control the scoreboard throughout and take a 39-28 win over the local ladies putting Fleming in sixth place to finish the season.

The Lady Wildcats closed the year with an overall record of 16-9. They earned District Four runner-up and took the Regional title on their way to the State Tournament.

Junior MadiKay Serrato led her team in scoring for the three-game State Tournament. She added 17 points total off a pair of three pointers, four two-point shots and three free throws.

Senior Lexi Schaefer and freshman Ciana Lousberg followed with 16 points apiece for the weekend. Schaefer shot two three-pointers, three two-pointers and four free throws. Lousberg made good on one three-point shot, six two-pointers and one free throw.

Senior Kally Kirkwood added 15 points for her team. She made six two-point shots and three free throws. Kirkwood also made a leading contribution under the net in rebounds. She grabbed 20 total in the Tournament.

Senior Maddy Harms led the Lady Wildcats in rebounds for the weekend. She brought down 28 boards for the three-game Tournament. She pulled down double digits against Briggsdale and Stratton at 10 and 13, respectively.

Senior Laney Schliesser added 16 boards for the Lady Wildcats. She remained consistent throughout the weekend, grabbing five against Briggsdale, six against Kit Carson and five against Stratton.

Freshman Ashley Bornhoft led in assists against Briggsdale with three. Kirkwood and Serrato tallied two assists apiece against Kit Carson. Kirkwood led with three assists against Stratton.

Harms tallied the team high in steals against Briggsdale with four. Schaefer and Schliesser stole the ball three times against Kit Carson. Kirkwood and Lousberg nabbed three steals apiece against Stratton.

The Lady Wildcats lose four seniors to graduation this May. Senior leaders Harms, Kirkwood, Schaefer and Schliesser wrapped up their time on the court with the Lady Wildcats last weekend. Watch future editions of the Herald for this year's All-Conference selections.