The Lady Chiefs controlled the boards, took opportune shots, and pulled away from Big Horn in the second half of the opening game of the Class 2-A state tournament at Casper College. The 60-39 win moves Wyoming Indian to a semi-final matchup with top-ranked, 2-A East champion Sundance at 3:30 on the big floor at the Ford Wyoming Center.
Sundance handled Shoshoni 52-37 in the 10:30 game at Casper College.
The Lady Chiefs ran the floor well, forcing turnovers and hitting driving layups.
Taya Dixey paced Wyoming Indian with 23 points. But was the play of sophomore point guard Paisley Blacburn that delighted fans. She had six assists off the dribble in transition.
Blackburn finished with 15 points.
WYOMING INDIAN 14 10 17 19 – 60
BIG HORN 8 13 6 12 – 39
Wyoming Indian – Gerilyn Redman 1 0-0 2, Taya Dixey 8 (1) 2-4 23, Jamie Shoyo Ferris 1 2-2 4, Paisley Blackburn 2 (3) 2-2 15, Alliyah Hubbard 2 0-0 4, Connie Curry 1-4 1, 2 (1) 0-0 7, Aislyn Gambler 1 0-0- 2, Jayden Headley 1 0-0 2. Totals 20 (4) 8-19 50
Big Horn – Sophia Harnish 1 0-2 2, Afton Cummings 2 (1) 1-2 8, Emory Taylor 1 0-0 2, Jessie DeHaven 1 0-2 2, Tinley Baker 3 1-2 7, Teagan Butler 1 0-2. Totals 11 (4) 5-15 39