Two-time defending state champion is too much for SM West girls in Kansas 6A

The Shawnee Mission West girls basketball team knew it was in for an uphill battle against the two-time defending state champion Wichita South.

SM West kept its deficit to single digits for the first quarter and rallied to cut Wichita South’s lead to nine points in the second, but the Vikings eventually lost 52-39 on Thursday in a Kansas Class 6A state quarterfinal game.

The loss ended SM West’s season with a 14-9 record. Coach Scott Aldrich said his Vikings exceeded his expectations in a difficult Sunflower League, which sent four teams to the state tournament — SM West, SM Northwest, Olathe South and Leavenworth.

“I’m very proud,” Aldrich said. “I think we overachieved, and whenever you make it to state, you have to be happy with the season. Our girls worked hard, and I just told them that I am happy with the effort they gave all season. That’s all you can ask for.”

Wichita South controlled the boards, had a 31-22 rebounding advantage and only allowed three SM West players to score in the game.

Morgan Mauck, who is headed to Middle Tennessee State to play soccer, led SM West with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Teammates Delaney Miller added 13 points and Mackenzie Loe had nine points.

This story was originally published March 12, 2015 at 9:36 PM with the headline "Two-time defending state champion is too much for SM West girls in Kansas 6A."