The Kewaunee Storm fought back to force overtime but eventually fell to the Manitowoc Lutheran Lancers at Denmark High School 68-63 Thursday night in a WIAA Divison 4 girls' basketball sectional semifinal.

The Lancers exploded out of the game, taking a 9-0 lead in the first three minutes.  A three-pointer by Jade Kroll broke the scoreless run for the Storm.  Kewaunee would later close the gap to four points behind two key three-pointers by Breanna Riha to trail only 31-27 at halftime. 

Manitowoc Lutheran would build a 43-32 lead in the second half before Kewaunee came storming back to close the game within three in the final seconds.

Gabby Stangel hit a three-pointer with 3.8 seconds left in the second half, which sent the Kewaunee faithful into a frenzy and tied the game at 58-58, sending the game to overtime.

 

In overtime, the Storm would take their first lead of the game, 63-62, on a three-point play by Brianna Demmin.

 

The lead was short-lived, as the Lancers scored quickly and reclaimed the lead at 66-63.  A three-point attempt by Lexi Hanrahan rimmed out in the final 30 seconds, ending Kewaunee's comeback bid. 

Jade Kroll led the Storm with 23 points, while Stangel scored 13 of her 17 points in the second half.  Demmin added 11 and Breanna Riha added ten points.

 

The #2 seeded Storm finished the season 21-5 and Packerland Conference Champions.  

 

The #1 seeded Manitowoc Lutheran Lancers (25-2) will now advance to the sectional final on Saturday against the other #1 seed, St. Mary's Catholic, which beat Bonduel.