In the last two seasons, the Hesston girls basketball team has tasted defeat just one time. In that time period, the Lady Swathers have won 46 games and captured a 3A State Championship. Looking to repeat their state title this season, the road goes through their home gym.

Southeast of Saline wasn’t in the mood to lay down on Thursday night. The Lady Trojans came into the Champs home gym and put up a fight, but eventually fell 52-37.

SES came out quickly as they led Hesston 15-12 at the end of the first quarter. The second quarter was rough for the visitors. Hesston started the 2nd quarter on a 9-0 run and eventually took an 11 point lead. But SES would come back with a 6-0 run of their own and trail by 5 at the half, 26-21.

The teams would trade punches in the 3rd quarter with Hesston taking an eight point lead into the 4th, 38-30. The State Champs would outscore SES 14-7 in the final quarter for a 52-37 win.

Caylee Richardson led all scorers for Hesston with 14 points. Erica Montgomery had 13 points, 13 rebounds and 2 blocks for Southeast.

Hesston (22-0) will play Lyons for the sub-state championship on Saturday night at 6:00 pm. The game is a rematch of the 3A State Title game last season.

Southeast of Saline ends their season with a 16-6 record and a NCAA League Championship.