Coming alive in the second half has been the mantra for the Washington girls’ basketball team all season long and that trend continued in Wednesday’s first round regional bout with Newton. The Demons erased a six-point halftime deficit to down the Cardinals 43-36 in Washington’s final time playing on their home floor.

As heard on KCII, the Demons controlled the game early by attacking the 2-3-zone put on by the Cardinals and had a slight 10-9 lead after one. Washington had some fits with full court pressure in the second by turning the ball over and found themselves down 24-18 at the break. The cardiac Demons emerged in the final two quarters on the strength of the long ball from Anna Nacos and Halle Leyden. They trailed by two heading to the fourth, but outscored the Cardinals 16-7 in the final period to seize the win. Washington was able to salt the game away at the line where they finished 16 of 25 and head coach Shannon Rugg knows that often decides close contests. “That’s the name of the game. Get a lead and hold on to it by sinking free throws when they have to foul you. This group has done it all season long and I am extremely happy for them. The amount of time these seniors have put on this floor and to have their last game here end in a win is pretty special.”

Nacos finished with a game-high 23 points including hitting four of five shots from behind the arc. Olivia Pacha recorded a double-double with 11 points and 14 rebounds. Addison Six was a force down low with four blocks.

Newton concludes their season at 7-15 and Washington improves to 12-9. They have a meeting with #2 Marion (20-1) on Saturday in a class 4A regional semifinal that can be heard on KCII.