Barton opens Region VI with easy win over Labette; Indy next

Barton opens Region VI with easy win over Labette; Indy next

The Barton Community College women's basketball team cruised to a 1st round win in Region VI playoff action Tuesday night at the Barton Gym, rolling by Labette 74-47. Barton, the No 3 seed from the West, had little trouble with the No 6 seed from the East advancing to the quarterfinals in Wichita Friday. The Cougars, 21-10, will get nationally ranked Independence in quarterfinal action at 3 pm at Koch Arena. Indy has been ranked all season, much of it in the Top 10, and will bring a 29-2 record to the contest. Labette ends its season at 10-21.

Highlights
Five Cougars scored double figures and all 9 players scored at least 5 points as Barton picked up the opening round win. The Cougars gradually pulled way in the opening half from the Cardinals leading 14-4 7 minutes into the game. Barton put the game away as Labette went 5 minutes without a point during the opening half. Barton led 18-11 with 9 minutes left in the half but put together a 14-0 run over the next 5 minutes.

A pair of Netanya Jackson free throws started the run and a Raven Adams jumper finished it, giving Barton a 32-11 lead with 5 minutes left in the half. The Cougars took a 37-18 lead to halftime. It was the 3rd straight game Barton has held its opponent below 20 points at half. Barton's lead hit 30 with 12 minutes to play and 40 with 5 minutes left.

Dionne Harris scored 18 to pace the Cougars and added 8 rebounds. Jara Shoemaker scored 12 in the sophomore's final game at the Barton Gym. She hit all 5 shots she attempted – 2-for-2 on 3-pointers. Jackson and Christina Caddy each had 11 while Cerissa McMillan added 10. Shea Shoemaker and Adams both had 8 rebounds. Adams and Alisha Fanshier both led Barton with 4 assists and Fanshier also had 6 steals. Cierra Emerson led Labette with 15. Tesia Danner added 12 and 9 rebounds.

In the quarterfinals, Barton will take on an Indy team that beat the Cougars 73-61 in the 3rd game of the season at the Barton Gym. Barton played that game without Fanshier. This will be the 4th straight Region VI Tournament the two clubs have faced each other. Indy was the last 2 seasons while Barton won a semifinal game in 2008 on the Cougars way to the Region VI title. The winner will get the winner of Hutchinson and Butler. Tip for the Cougars game is slated for 3 pm but will follow the Hutch-Butler game.  

Stats
Stats can be found was www.bartonsports.com  

Next
March 4 – v Indy 3 pm (Region VI Quarterfinals at Koch Arena in Wichita)