Defense, determination propel Farmington to victory over Hillsboro

The Farmington Knights girls basketball team defeated the Hillsboro Hawks 28-23 to claim the Class 5 District championship Tuesday, March 11, at Cape Central High School.

Ella Scott and Lila Roth led the Knights’ offense with six points each.

Farmington had finished second in the district for the last five years before the victory. Head coach Rusty Sancegraw said his team's progress was difficult.

“It’s kind of been an up and down year. We were 13-13 coming into districts, but I knew that we were coming along. The girls really bought into what we're trying to do,” Sancegraw said. “We just kept preaching about being consistent with our practice effort. We told them that it would lead to this, and they bought in. We’re just really proud of them.”

Farmington led 9-6 after one, behind 3-of-4 shooting from beyond the 3-point line, with Scott nailing two. Hillsboro struggled to find any offense until a 3 of its own went in at the buzzer.

Hillsboro started the second on a 10-2 run to lead 16-11, which forced Farmington into a timeout. The Hawks put up four more points before the half to extend their lead to 20-11.

The Knights fought back in the third quarter beginning with a Kate Jankerson 3, followed by several layups. Farmington’s defense held Hillsboro scoreless through the quarter and lead 23-20 heading into the fourth.

Farmington outscored the Hawks 5-3 in the final frame to hold on for the win. Sancegraw said his team's defense helped immensely in the low-scoring game.

“We struggle putting the ball in the basket sometimes but, defensively, we're always pretty good. We usually work really hard and rebound, and that's one of the things we've kind of hung our hat on,” Sancegraw said. “We always tell the girls, ‘Defense can keep you in a game. Offensively, sometimes your shots may not go, but defense can definitely keep you in the game.’ They did a great job tonight defensively.”

Farmington moves on to host the sectional game at 2 p.m. Saturday, when they will take on Lift for Life Academy Charter, the No. 1 ranked team in Class 5.