jmisunas@gbtribune.com

The underdog Great Bend's girls had outplayed and outworked the No. 9 state-ranked 4A Wamego Red Raiders for a half.

Just as quickly, Wamego took command with five 3-pointers that sparked a 49-37 non-league basketball victory over the hard-working Panthers at home.  

Wamego's Ashten Pierson drilled a trio of 3-pointers and teammates Paige Donnelly and Toree Hoobler knocked down 3-pointers in a 21-point third quarter. The Panthers led 19-17 at halftime on Jenna Mauler's last-second 3-pointer. Wamego (11-3) outscored the Panthers 21-8 for a dominating 38-27 lead. Pierson scored 17 points, 15 after halftime.

The Panthers (3-11) lost their advantage by a lack of defensive awareness and understanding which player is hot.

"We need to talk better and know where their shooters are all the time," said Great Bend coach Carrie Minton. "The girls continue to work hard and do what we ask. We had a couple of minutes that made the difference tonight. We have to work hard to keep getting better."

The Panthers led 19-17 at halftime behind a season-best 10 of 15 free throw shooting. Taryn Warren scored six points and Mauler added six first-half points. The Panthers held Wamego to 5 of 19 first-half shooting.

Hard-working Sydney Unruh shook off several offensive fouls for 10 points and Mauler chipped in nine points and Warren eight. The Panthers converted 10 of 36 field goals and 14 of 25 free throws to misfire after halftime.

The Panthers journey to No. 2 state-ranked 6A Liberal (13-0) Friday.

Wamego 9 8 21 11 — 49 

Great Bend 9 10 8 10 — 37

WAMEGO (11-3)—Pierson 5 4-8 17, Alderson 1 1-2 3, Alexander 1 0-2 3, Billings 1 0-1 2, Beachler 3 1-2 8, Donnelly 1 2-2 5, Toobler 1 0-0 3, Kueker 2 0-0 4, Hamman 2 0-0 4, Totals 17-45 8-17 49.

GREAT BEND (3-11)—Sydney Unruh 2 5-9 10, Mauler 2 3-4 9, Warren 3 2-5 8, Harbaugh 0 2-5 2, Herter 1 2-2 4, Smith 2 0-0 4, Totals 10-36 14-25 37. 

3-pointers—W 7 (Pierson 3, Donnelly 1, Beachler 1, Toobler 1, Alexander 1), GB 3 (Mauler 2, Unruh 1).