SUBLETTE -- When Brynn Widener converted a 3-pointer, Ellinwood's girls led Phillipsburg 28-24. The Eagles were five minutes away from a 2A state basketball tournament berth.
Phillipsburg finished with a 19-3 scoring burst and Kayla Jacobs scorched the Eagles for 10 fourth-quarter points for a 43-31 substate victory.
Despite leading through three quarters, Ellinwood struggled to withstand a late surge from a battle-tested Panther squad. It was a rare night when sharpshooting Ellinwood was outscored 18-6 on 3-pointers, typically a strength for the Eagles.
The loss stings, but the the Lady Eagles shattered expectations and proved their resilience throughout the season.
“To miss the opportunity to advance is difficult for all of us, especially with a lead through three quarters of the game,” said Ellinwood coach Greg Maxwell. “However, when we realize nobody would have predicted these girls would be 19-3 with a share of the CPL League Championship and sub-State runner-up, it's remarkable what these girls accomplished and learned this season.”
The game was a defensive battle, with both teams locking down their opponents for much of the contest.
Ellinwood’s aggressive play and disciplined execution helped them maintain control early, but Phillipsburg’s previous experience in postseason at the 3A level and strong defensive presence made the difference in the final stretch.
“Phillipsburg carries a tradition of success at the 3A level, a defensive mentality, and presence from veteran players that taught us what it looks like to finish a game with championship finals pressure,” Maxwell said.
While the season didn’t end with a trip to state, the foundation has been set for future success. With a talented core returning and the experience gained from this deep postseason run, the Lady Eagles are poised to come back even stronger next year.
“Like I told the girls, proud is an understatement of how I feel and care about these kids,” Maxwell said. “What they will take from this will light a fire that will burn even hotter next year.”
The 2024-25 season will be remembered for its grit, growth, and unexpected triumphs. And if this year was any indication, the future of Ellinwood girls’ basketball is incredibly bright.
Phillipsburg 4 5 12 22 — 43
Ellinwood 6 11 6 8 — 31
PHILLIPSBURG (20-3) (FG 3 FT TP)—Kayla Jacobs 6 (4) 2-2 18, Seems 4 3-5 11, Billings 2 1-3 5, Keeten (1) 1-2 4, Van Derveen 2 (1) 0-2 5, Totals 15 (6) 7-14 43
ELLNWOOD (19-3) (FG 3 FT TP)—Schlessiger 5 5-6 15, Jaobs 0 2-2 2, Regan Widener 1 0-0 2, Maxwell 1 0-0 2, Ritchie 1 0-2 2, Batchman 2 (1) 0-4 5, Brynn Widener (1) 0-0 3, Totals (11) (2) 7-14 31
