It was a valiant effort for a shorthanded Highland girls’ basketball team last night, but the upset bid fell short against Montezuma falling 50-39 on the road in a class 1A region 6 quarterfinal. 

Playing without leading scorer Abbi Stransky lost to a season ending knee injury last week, the Huskies came out tough trailing just 10-6 after one and they went on a 5-0 run to close the half with the Bravettes having a 20-18 edge. The third is where Montezuma got some separation with a 15-4 frame including a buzzer beating three to push the advantage to 13. The Huskies were kept at arm’s length the rest of the way and Montezuma (18-4) advanced to Friday’s regional semifinal against English Valleys. The Bravettes’ Mia Boulton knocked down four triples and finished with 17 points. Highland’s Sarah Burton led all scorers with 21 points. 

The Huskies close the winter 12-11 and they bid farewell to a pair of seniors in Emma Soukup and Mackinze Hora.