The Waterville-Elysian-Morristown Buccaneers trailed most of their game with Gopher Conference rivals Maple River Friday night.  Execution down the stretch was the difference in a 58-55 thrilling victory at Mankato East High School in the Section 2AA South Subsection semifinals.  The Medford Tigers saw their unbeaten dream season end 46-33 just before the Bucs took the floor.

Sophomore 5'11 Toryn Richards poured in 22 points to lead WEM.  Richards had 3 three point baskets, a few methodical drives to the basket and was 3 for 4 from the free throw line.  She also had a number of clutch rebounds in the game.  5'4 senior Shelby Hermel scored all four of her points in the final crucial couple of minutes in what turned out to be a see saw game in the final six minutes.  She also forced a tie up with the possession arrow in the Bucs favor late in the game.

Senior 5'5 MaeLea Harmon hit clutch buckets down the stretch also and was 2 for 3 from the charity stripe.  Harmon made a big buck and turned her ankle late in the game so she was unavailable in the last few minutes.  She told me after the game she will be ready for the Tuesday game at Minnesota State University in Mankato against the St. Peter Saints.  Harmon finished with 13 points.

Sophomore 5'6 Brielle Bartelt hit a monster three point basket down the stretch and finished with 12 points.

The Buccaneers trailed by 6 points at the half and every time they got the game close Maple River was able to answer until the final minutes of the game.  Waterville-Elysian-Morristown is 21-5 and Maple River finishes their season 17-11.

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