The championship game of the girl’s side of the United Holiday Tournament was held on Thursday night at the Fieldhouse at United High School. The United Red Storm girls basketball team put on a late game flurry and won the tournament title with a 32-27 win over Illini Bluffs. The Red Storm led throughout most of the first half and held a 10-9 lead at the half. The offense picked up for both teams in the third quarter and IB led 22-20 heading to the final quarter. United still found themselves trailing 27-25 with just under 4 minutes left in the game before scoring the final 7 points. The Red Storm, who earlier in the day received votes in the latest class 1A AP Poll, improve to (13-1) on the season. United was led by Alexa Anderson’s 11 points. Illini Bluffs, who were also receiving votes in 1A this week and placed 2nd in the state last year, dropped to (8-6) overall and were led by Emerson Eeten’s 11 points.
The West Central Heat took 5th place in the tournament after a 42-30 win over Farmington. 21 points by Harlee Hainds led the Heat in scoring. West Central will go into the long holiday break with a record of (5-7).
It was Ridgewood over Elmwood 32-29 in the third place game and West prairie took 7th with a 45-42 win over Payson-Seymour.
For the replay of the WRAM radio broadcast of the championship game between United and Illini Bluffs, go to the SPORTS PODCAST section.
