JESSIEVILLE -- Greenland started this season with four new starters from last year's Class 3A state championship team, but Coach Alan Barton thought the Lady Pirates could make a similar run.
But it took a big effort from Barton's only returning starter to lead Greenland to its fourth state championship game in the past six seasons.
Kim Crown scored 29 points, 19 in the first half, to lead Greenland (27-6) to a 61-54 victory over Genoa Central in a 3A girls state semifinal Saturday at the Sports Arena.
"Bottom line is, it's about the jersey," Barton said. "The numbers are the same, but the names change, and these girls have figured it out."
Sarah Wright, who came off the bench for last year's championship team, added 12 points for Greenland, while McKayla Redmond added nine. But it was Crown who gave Genoa Central fits, scoring inside or getting fouled for trips to the free-throw line.
Crown, who entered the game averaging 19 points, had 14 of Greenland's first 24 points as it built a 24-15 lead with 6:19 left in the first half. Crown then answered a Genoa Central run by scoring the final two baskets of the half to give Greenland a 30-29 lead at halftime.
"She's tough to guard," Genoa Central Coach Cecily Butler said. "We knew that going into it. We had a defensive plan, and we changed it pretty quick, changed her matchup. We gave her all we could, but she's really just a good player."
Butler was pleased with how the Lady Dragons minimized the Lady Pirates' pressure defense and twice made runs when it looked like they were being left behind.
A 12-2 run in the second quarter gave them a 27-26 lead. Then, after eight lead changes in the third quarter, Greenland took a 51-41 lead three minutes into the fourth. But, Gracie Waters -- who had a team-high 13 points -- hit a three, Kelsie Sanders followed with another basket, and Crow made consecutive baskets to get Genoa Central (30-6) within 53-52 with 2:23 left.
"They've come back from deficits all year long," Butler said. "They're warriors."
But Crown scored inside, and Wright made six free throws in the final minute to seal the victory for Greenland.
"This is our goal," Barton said. "For our girls to do what they do and know that everybody is coming after you, giving you their best shot and for them to persevere -- we didn't have a good game today, but we found a way."
Sports on 03/06/2016