SIDNEY – The Sidney Lady Raiders saw their season came to an end Friday night in the B-8 District Final at the Cabela’s Athletic Facility. Sidney’s led only one time in the game as the Blair Bears kept their season alive with a 41-35 win on the Lady Raiders home floor. Sidney ends the year at 19-8 while the Bears earn a berth in the state tournament with an 18-6 record.

The game was a defensive battle throughout. Sidney’s biggest, and only lead of the game, came at 3-2 while Blair’s biggest advantage was 28-19 at the end of the third period. Because of the aggressive defenses, neither team shot the ball particularly well. Sidney finished 9 of 39 from the floor (23.1%) while the Bears were not much better at 12 of 42 (28.6%). Although both teams faced pressure the entire game, they each ended the game with just 13 turnovers.

Blair led 10-6 at the end if the first quarter, behind three-pointers from sophomore Leah Chance and junior Kaitlyn Johnson. The Bears expanded their lead to 20-15 at half behind 5 points from senior Margaret Valasek and freshman Molly Ladwig. Junior Reese Riddle did her best to keep Sidney in the game, scoring all 9 of the Lady Raider’s second quarter points.

After intermission, Sidney could only muster one field goal and a pair of free throws as the Bears built their biggest lead of the night. Another pair of three-pointers, one each from senior Makayla Baughman and freshman Addison Sullivan to give Blair a 28-19 advantage.

Lady Raiders outscored the Bears 16-13 in the final period, but Blair made 9 of 13 free throws in the period to keep Sidney at arm’s length. Sidney finished the game 14 of 16 from the stripe. The Lady Raiders were led by Reese Riddle’s game-high 16 points. Freshman Molly Ladwig led the Bears with 14 points.

SIDNEY - Rheagan Stanley 2, Brynna Ross 2, Chloe Ahrens 0, Reese Riddle 16, Gabby Fortner 3, Kayla Westby 3, Emilee Wieser 0, Katie Ramsey 9

BLAIR - Maggie Valasek 5, Sami Murray 0, Kaitlyn Johnson 0, Molly Ladwig 16, Leah Chance 8, Joslyn Policky 0, Makayla Baughman 5, Addie Sullivan 7, Hayden Frink Mathis 0