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Cedar Rapids Xavier edges Harlan for Iowa 4A title/SE Polk takes the 5A title

Sports

March 3rd, 2013 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Kayla Armstrong drove into the lane and scored with 9 seconds left to give Cedar Rapids Xavier a 53-52 victory over Harlan and the Class 4A girls state championship Saturday night. Armstrong hit her shot from right in front of the basket just seconds after Harlan had taken a 52-51 lead when sophomore Taylor Wagner drove down the right side of the lane and banked in a shot. Harlan called time to set up a final shot after Armstrong scored, but Wagner lost the ball dribbling up the floor and Xavier (17-9) had its fourth state championship. Armstrong finished with 23 points and was voted captain of the all-tournament team. Wagner’s 16 points led Harlan (23-3), the state runner-up for the second time.

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CLASS 5A Title Game

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Annie Penquite scored 14 points and sank five late free throws to help Southeast Polk beat West Des Moines Dowling Catholic 43-34 Saturday night to win the Class 5A girls state championship. Southeast Polk (20-5) relied on defense, rebounding and free throw shooting to win its first five-player title. The Rams also were state champs in 1977, when Iowa schools played the 6-on-6 version of girls basketball.

Audrey Faber’s 15 points led Dowling (21-5), which sought its fifth title. The Maroons cut a 12-point lead to five, but consecutive turnovers in the final minute thwarted the rally.Caitlin Ingle scored 8 for Southeast Polk and was voted captain of the all-tournament team. The Rams held Dowling to eight field goals through the first three quarters and outrebounded Dowling 30-18.