Mid America Classic - 2008Publish Date: 2008-03-13 The Mid America Classic girls’ basketball 2008 tournament turned out to be the most competitive in the 13 years of the tournament.
The first round found every favorite winning, however, each game was very competitive. Andale opened the tournament with a hard fought 50-44 win over tournament newcomer, Blue Valley West. Buhler, which had beaten Valley Center by 30 in December slipped by the Hornets 43-38. Class 2A, St. John, the top seed in the tournament had their hands full with the Mustangs of Salina Central, finally pulling away in the final moments for a 49-41 victory. In the final first night game, the host McPherson Bullpups, built a steady lead to defeat another tournament newcomer, Hays, 64-50.
The second day of the MAC opened with the only blow-out of the tournament as Blue Valley West destroyed Salina Central 64-34. That would be the only lopsided game of the tournament. In the second consolation game, Valley Center won a tough game, defeating Hays 49-44. Meanwhile the winner’s bracket games were dandies! Andale held off a late charge from St. John, to defeat the Tigers 35-33. The second semifinal was just as exciting, as Buhler staged a great comeback, to only see two point blank shots in the closing seconds rim out and McPherson hung on for white knuckle victory, 41-39.
It was hard to imagine better games than Friday’s semi round, but Saturday’s finals proved to be the most entertaining day of the tournament. In the 7th place game Hays defeated Salina Central for the second time of the season 57-46. In the consolation finals, Valley Center and Blue Valley West played neck and neck with the Hornets hanging on for a 42-36 victory, giving medals to the Valley Center girls in their first trip to the MAC. The third place game came down to two St. John Tiger free throws with 0.2 seconds left to defeat the Crusaders of Buhler,45-43. The game was close and well played throughout.
The finals proved to be the best game of the tournament. Andale staged a late comeback to defeat the McPherson Bullpups 39-38. The game was nip and tuck throughout. McPherson had a chance to tie or win with two free throws with two seconds left, but was unable to convert. Andale took home the traveling trophy that McPherson had won the previous 9 tournaments. The all tournament team, selected by the coaches, was:
- Shawna Cikanek, Buhler
- Jordi James, McPherson
- Jessie Riechenberger, Andale
- Brady Peniston, Valley Center
- Beth Cornwell, St. John
The annual Free Throw and 3-Point Contest were held Saturday morning. The winners were: Free Throw Contest:
- 1st-Kelsie Sorenson, McPherson (repeat winner from 2007)
- 2nd-Amie Stuke, Valley Center
- 3rd-Alisha Fanshier, St. John
3-Point Contest:
- 1st-Brady Peniston, Valley Center
- 2nd-Raena Sander, Hays
- 3rd Amanda Eisenreich, Blue Valley West
The Sportsmanship Plague was won, very deservingly, by the St. John Tigers.
It will be hard to top the great competition from this year’s tournament. However, 2009 will be a great tournament. Goddard will rotate in for Valley Center and with the talent that is returning from the MAC teams, it will be without a doubt, a great tournament.
The McPherson Optimist spent 1500 hours volunteering to make this tournament the premier Girls tournament in the state of Kansas. With the generous cooperation USD 418, and McPherson Athletic Director, Shane Backhus, this tournament will continue to shine for many years.
    
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