The Martin girls’ basketball team was just four points shy of a district championship Friday night.
The Lady Clippers closed out their season with a 40-36 loss to Lawrence on the winners’ basketball court.
Martin started slowly, trailing 11-6 at the end of the first quarter, but rallied in the second period to take a 22-19 at halftime. The two teams were tied at 27-27, as the fourth quarter began.
Coach Ben Schipper said, “That’s a wrap on the 24/25 season. We are so proud of our girls, their perseverance, and their dedication to Clipper basketball.
“This loss was heartbreaking. With a win, we would get to go home and host regionals and we were very excited about that possibility. Our girls played their hearts out and we couldn’t be more proud of their effort.
“We pride ourselves on our gritty man to man defense. We decided to ratchet it up even more for this game and go full deny on Lawrence’s top player. Torryn Harris gave a legendary defensive effort holding her to 10 points with only two made field goals. She was an absolute warrior all night.
“Anna Jager also did a good job on her for several possessions. Marybeth Ritchie and Maggie Jager did a phenomenal job keeping No. 1 off the boards while giving up a significant height advantage and holding her to five points on only one made field goal.
“We feel we executed our game plan extremely well, and that’s what makes this loss so tough. We held Lawrence to nine made field goals, but they went to the free throw line 25 times and cashed in on 16, making seven in the fourth quarter.”
Martin, meanwhile, was 4 for 11 from the free throw line and just couldn’t get shots to fall when needed down the stretch.
“We are thankful for our two seniors, Avery Jager and Macy Thorne. They played on varsity for 4 years and 3 years, respectively. We will miss them dearly and applaud their commitment to the program.”
Martin finished the campaign with an overall record of 11-13. Lawrence goes on the regionals with a 17-7 mark.
