The DWHS Lady Mustangs made a thrilling run at the 2A state basketball tournament at Bramlage Coliseum, finishing as the state runner-up. DWHS, the smallest 2A school in Kansas, battled through three intense games to claim second place, finishing the season with a 19-6 record.
The #6 ranked Mustangs opened the tournament on Thursday, March 13, against #3 Chase County. DWHS came out strong, dominating the first quarter with a 22-11 lead. Both teams added 12 points in the second quarter, keeping the Mustangs ahead at halftime. In the second half, Doniphan West maintained control, outscoring Chase County 26-21 to secure a 60-44 victory.
Scoring vs. Chase County: Courtney Johnson 16, Brennah Edie 12, Andi Foster 11, Belle Smith 10, Katie Johnson 8, Kayte Falk 2, Emmyjo Whetstine 1.
In the semifinals on Friday, the Mustangs faced St. Mary’s Colgan from Pittsburg in a battle that stretched into double overtime. DWHS trailed 24-25 at halftime but edged ahead in the third quarter, outscoring Colgan 17-15. Regulation ended in a 54-54 tie, forcing overtime. The Mustangs showed grit and composure, especially at the free-throw line, to pull out a thrilling 61-60 win.
Scoring vs. Colgan: Katie Johnson 17, Andi Foster 14, Belle Smith 13, Brennah Edie 10, Courtney Johnson 7.
Facing the top-seeded Moundridge Wildcats in the championship on Saturday, the Mustangs fought hard but fell 62-51. Moundridge took a 19-13 lead after the first quarter, but DWHS responded with a strong second quarter, outscoring the Wildcats 15-12 to trail just 31-28 at halftime. However, Moundridge exploded for a 20-point third quarter, holding the Mustangs to just seven points. Despite a strong fourth-quarter push, where DWHS outscored Moundridge 16-11, the deficit was too much to overcome.
Scoring vs. Moundridge: Courtney Johnson 21, Katie Johnson 11, Brennah Edie 9, Belle Smith 6, Andi Foster 4.
This season marked a transition for DWHS, moving up from 1A to 2A. The Mustangs, who won the 1A state championship in 2023, proved they could compete at the 2A level. Many of these Lady Mustangs helped lead the school’s volleyball team to a state tournament appearance earlier this year.
Coach Perry Smith praised his team’s effort: “We are very proud of how hard our girls competed. They gave everything they had for our community, school, and team.”
Senior Katie Johnson reflected on the experience: “The most memorable part of this journey was playing in the state semifinals. Going into double overtime and coming out on top was a moment I will never forget. Being able to play in two state championships is something not a lot of people get to experience, so I am extremely grateful. I would also like to thank the community for all the support throughout the substate and state tournament. It was surreal stepping onto the court at Bramlage Coliseum and being surrounded by support from the Mustang community. I would also like to thank the Mustang Moms for all they have done to make this state experience extra special for the team!”