WICHITA, Kan. – The Halstead Dragons opened defense of their 3A Girls state title from 2025 on Wednesday afternoon at Charles Koch Arena. Despite trailing by seven early in the second quarter, they regrouped and made just enough plays down the stretch for a 3A State quarterfinal win over Marysville.
Halstead 38, Marysville 31 – Halstead scored the first basket of the game and after a back and fourth first quarter, they trailed 9-8 going into the second. Marysville scored the first six points of the second quarter, finishing off what was an 8-0 run, taking a 15-8 lead. Halstead stayed close, trailing 20-17 at halftime. The Dragons put together a good stretch to start the second half as Onnyka Nedich and Piper Schroeder each made three-pointers early in the third quarter. Trailing 24-23, Halstead got a five point trip from Piper Schroeder. After being fouled while making a layup, a technical foul was called on Marysville in the process. Schroeder calmly made three straight free throws to put the Dragons up 28-24 and they never trailed the rest of the way.
Marysville did get back within one, but Nedich made a three before the third quarter ended to put Halstead up 31-27. Baskets by Jordy Schroeder and Piper Schroeder to start the fourth quarter gave Halstead an eight-point advantage, which was just enough cushion to hold off any type of run from the Bulldogs in the seven-point victory.
Piper Schroeder finished with a game-high 17 points for Halstead. Her scoring was needed as Addisen Wills, the leading scorer for the Dragons coming into the game, battled foul trouble all afternoon and was held to just four points. Nedich finished with eight as the second leading scorer. Halstead improved to 26-0, winning their 38th straight game and advancing to the 3A State semifinals on Friday at 1:30 against either Osage City or Girard.
Marysville finished a solid run to end their season with a 10-15 record. Kacy Roesch led the Bulldogs with 14 points.
Marysville – K. Roesch 14, Spicer 5, Packett 4, Dressman 3, Whitesell 3, Holle 2
Halstead – P. Schroeder 17, Nedich 8, Bernal 7, Wills 4, J. Schroeder 2
