A back and forth high scoring regional semifinal ended in heart break for Okoboji’s girls basketball team on Friday night as Pocahontas Area advanced with a 79-75 win.  The Indians led  19-18 after one quarter, 45-41 at halftime, and 58-56 after three.  The Pioneers were in foul trouble in the first half but received solid effort from their bench to hang with the high scoring Indians.  The lead went back and forth throughout the night.

Freshman Elle Ruffridge had an outstanding 41 points in the contest for the Indians.  She was 13 for 15 at the free throw line. Hannah Stafford added 16 for the PAC, who improves to 21-3 and faces Hull Western Christian on Monday in the Class 2A Region 1 Final at Sheldon.  The Wolfpack beat South O’Brien 86-67.  Okoboji’s seniors shined in their final contest.  Darby Jones had 23 points and was 7-for-9 from the free throw line.  Abby Taylor hit 4 three pointers and was 5-for-5 from the charity stripe in a 21 point effort.  Megan Peschong chipped in 10.  The Pioneers finish their season at 15-8.

Click here to listen to a post game interview with Coach Goodlaxson of Okoboji.