KENT - Even without star player Heather Corral, No. 2 state-ranked Prairie (Bush Prairie) near Vancouver proved it was tough to handle.

Before the Class 3A West Central/Southwest bi-district girls' basketball championship game on Monday, February 21, the high flying Falcons learned that Corral, a 6-foot-1 junior with nearly 30 Division I college scholarship offers, had ruptured the ACL in her left knee in Saturday's semifinals, a little more than one year after tearing the one in her right knee.

Instead of folding up shop, Prairie rallied to defeat No. 4 John F. Kennedy Catholic, 52-46, with swarming defense.

"They're a good team," said Lancer coach John Barbee. "They played tough against us and got great plays. Free throws (12-24) and turnovers were it. Most of our turnovers came when we were in our own front court. We need to improve these. We've seen (state-ranked) teams one through six, now. We know what to expect (at state)."

Kennedy Catholic overcame a 13-12 deficit after one quarter to seize control despite numerous turnovers. Aminah Williams stole the ball and drove to a lay up before notching her second consecutive goal to open the second quarter. Alli Madison's three-pointer capped a 7-0 run for a 19-13 JFK lead.

The Lancers still owned a six-point lead at 26-20 following solid work from Williams and Madison near the end of the first half, but settled for a 26-21 halftime advantage.

Jasmine Lemon's driving lay up sent the Lancers ahead 28-21 to start the second half.

At this point in time, Prairie buckled down on defense, going on a 22-5 run that gave it a 10-point breathing space.

Kennedy countered behind Williams and Madison to draw within 43-40. Madison's trey cut the gap to one, 44-43 with 2:12 to play in the fourth quarter, but Angela Gehler drained her third three-pointer of the game for Prairie. Aminah Williams of the Lancers sank a pair of free throws to recreate a one-point game, 47-46, at the 1:17 mark, but the Falcons closed out the deal when forward Lanae Adams scored her only points of the game on a three-point play.

"It was a good game," said Aminah Williams. "It came down to our free throws and handling the press. We're going to have a good practice on Thursday and work on our free throws."

University of Washington signer Williams totaled 19 points and 24 rebounds for the Lancers (22-2) whose only other loss was to top-ranked Holy Names, which it faced on Friday, Feb. 25, at Bellevue College in the first round of the state regionals.

Alli Madison contributed 13 big points for the Lancers.

Prairie had three double digit scorers. Megan Lindsley scored 13 points, followed by 11 points from Andreah Smith and 10 points from Gelhar.

Prairie goes against Lakeside at Auburn Mountainview High School in its first state playoff game.

For the state bound Lancers, the player roster includes Jenna Bojorguez, Kelsey Trautmann, Jasmine Lemon, Tia Hayes, Erin Gosseen, Jordan Armstrong, Danielle Bojorquez, Vivienne McClean, Allie Madison, Aminah Williams, Mayah Williams, Dee Dee Green and Diondra Bourgette.

Assisting head coach John Barbee are J.J. Johnson, Pat Williams and Phil Griffin. Bob Bourgette is the Kennedy Catholic athletic director.