Chrisman Girls Capture District Title, Advance to Sectionals

William Chrisman’s Lady Bears captured their first district basketball title in six years, outlasting Lee’s Summit North 35-31 in the Class 5, District 14 title game at Truman High School. Chrisman forced several key turnovers late in the fourth quarter to seal the win. The Lady Bears (21-6) play Belton (15-12) in the sectional round of the state tournament Wednesday, March 9 at 3 p.m. at the Silverstein Eye Centers Arena in Independence.

In the district title game against the taller Broncos, the Bears were outrebounded, but not outfought or outhustled. Chrisman raced to every loose ball, and during the critical fourth quarter, seemingly came up with every one of them. “We’re a small team, so we have to battle,” said coach Scott Schaefer. Schaefer also praised the poise the Lady Bears showed late in the game, especially considering the team only has one senior and little post-season experience. If Chrisman beats Belton, the Lady Bears would go on to play the winner of the St. Joseph Central/Liberty contest in the quarterfinal round Saturday, March 12.