English
EspañolST. JOSEPH, Mo.— For a second straight game, the South Harrison girls basketball team staved off a late comeback attempt to keep their season alive.
In similar fashion to their 43-42 district title win over Lawson, the Bulldogs found themselves up by one in the waning seconds of Monday’s Class 3 Sectional in need of a closer.
While senior Lexi Hunter provided the boost to close out Friday’s matchup, it was younger sister Junior Ambrey Hunter who answered the call on Monday. Ambrey went a perfect 8-of-8 from the free throw line — six in the fourth quarter — to help secure the 46-43 win and send South Harrison to the Class 3 State Quarterfinals against Lone Jack on Friday.
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South Harrison Junior Ambrey Hunter passing the ball against Bishop Leblond at East Buchanan High School on March 2, 2026.
“I kept saying to myself ‘Keep your composer,’” Ambrey said. Don’t show (any) emotions and don’t let (the crowd) rattle you. I just knew I had to stay under pressure (when getting to the free throw line).”
“I can’t speak enough to the resiliency of our girls when the game was on the line,” South Harrison coach Kale Watson said. “Ambrey stepped up, hit some big free throws when we were in foul trouble, kind of piecing people in and out (of the game). In games like this it’s going to take everybody stepping on the court doing their job.”
Ambrey led South Harrison in scoring with 16 points and Lexi was right behind her with 9 points.
The Bulldogs started the game with an aggressive approach defensively, filled with constant full-court press coverage and on-ball defense. After a close opening quarter that saw South Harrison up by 4, a swarming defensive gameplan helped build a 22-8 lead midway through the second quarter.
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South Harrison Senior Lexi Hunter attempting a shot while being fouled against Bishop Leblond at East Buchanan High School on March 2, 2026.
“We knew coming into this game it was going to be tough. They’ve had a great season and they’ve played against really good teams all season long,” Lexi said. “We knew we had to bring our game, with the speed and aggressiveness we play on defense helping a lot. Getting out and pressuring the ball in the full court press early was key.”
Bishop LeBlond responded shortly after taking a timeout as senior Rilyn Conard knocked 3-consecutive three pointers to cut the lead to just eight before halftime. Conard led all scorers with 18 points.
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Bishop LeBlond senior Rilyn Conrad driving in to shoot the ball against South Harrison at East Buchanan High School on March 2, 2026.
“Conard is a tough player to guard, she’s everything you want in a good basketball player,” Watson said. “I thought she got loose in the first half and got them back in the game.”
As soon as the third quarter started, the Eagles stormed right back with a 6-0 run to force a Bulldogs timeout at the 6:04 mark.
From there, it was a back-and-forth battle filled with 50-50 balls. Bishop LeBlond would battle back to tie the game at 32 heading into the fourth quarter.
An aggressive defense paired with the resiliency Watson praised were vital in South Harrison emerging victorious.
South Harrison (20-7) will travel to Kansas City to face off against Lone Jack (23-6) in the Class 3 State Quarterfinals at 6 p.m. on Friday, March 6 at Oak Park High School.