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Defense the Difference for Marion County

BROOKFIELD, Mo. (WGEM) -- Marion County walked out of the Brookfield High School gym Tuesday night most likely reflecting on all those redundant preseason defensive drills that weren't necessarily enjoyable back then, but effective in the Class 1 Sectional.

The top-ranked Lady Mustangs parlayed a tremendous defensive effort into a 13 point win over ninth-ranked Meadville to advance to their second consecutive state quarterfinal this weekend.

Mike Johnson's squad held its opponent to just 10 field goals and a total of 24 points, and their ability to prevent easy baskets from the opposition played a major role in their 18th straight win.

"That was a big key," Johnson said.

"I don't think we gave up a lay up in transition, we wanted them to earn everything in the half court."

Sophomore Jessica Redd led the Lady Mustangs with 15 points and said if not for their defense, Marion County could have been finished.

"We didn't do real well offensively, our defense definitely carried us."

Senior Ranay Sharpe added: "Our transition probably wasn't the best but our defense got us to where we could transition. I thought our defense (Tuesday) was really awesome compared to other nights. I thought we stepped up, everyone did."

Marion County improved to 24-3 and they're now just one win away from a return trip to Mizzou Arena.

The Lady Mustangs can clinch a Final Four berth with a win Saturday against Hardin-Central, game time is set for 1pm at Missouri Valley College in Marshall.