GBB: Elmhurst hands Norwell only loss

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - It was a rematch of last year's sectional final where Elmhurst made quick work of Norwell en route to the Trojan's first-ever girls state basketball championship.  This time around would go down to the wire as Elmhurst escaped with a 66-63 win over the previously undefeated Knights in the sectional semi-finals Saturday.

Norwell would appear to be in control of the game early.  Hitting from behind the arc and in the post, the Knights would lead by as many as seven in the first half.  However, Elmhurst stuck around with a stingy defense in the second quarter as the game was tied at 32 at the half.

In the third quarter, Norwell again distanced themselves from the defending 3A state champs.  The Knights took a five-point lead into the final eight minutes.

Amanda McAfee would hit a layup in the fourth quarter to put Norwell up nine points, but that's when the Trojans mounted a comeback.

TeSharra Thomas answered with a bucket plus the foul and Lacia Gorman did the same.  Near the five minute mark in the fourth quarter, Liza Clemons scored in the post to give Elmhurst the lead.

The game would be back and forth down the stretch.

Under a minute to go, Norwell was clinging to a one-point lead when Taylor Wilson came up with a clutch steal as the Knights' faithful erupted knowing that free throws could possibly seal the win.  Wilson would hit one-of-two charity tosses.  Norwell only connected on 21-37 free throws for the game.

Elmhurst would capitalize.

Gorman would put the team on her shoulders scoring a bucket plus the foul hitting the free throw to give the Trojans the late lead.

Clemons would rebound a Jenelle Wilson miss and hit a couple of free throws to make it a three-point game with 11 seconds left.

The Knights final shot could've tied the game, but Jami Reinhard's attempt was off the mark as the Trojans claimed victory.

Elmhurst's Gorman led all scorers with 28 points.  Clemons added 12 for the Trojans.

Norwell's Jenelle Wilson poured in 17 points.  Amanda McAfee had 15, Taylor Wilson 12 and Caitlyn McGrew 10.  Jessica Rupright battled foul trouble and ended the night with nine points.

Elmhurst will now face Bellmont for the sectional championship on Monday night at Wayne High School.