With some of the estimated 500-plus supporters who made the trip to Kansas City to support them in the state-quarterfinals victory last Friday as a backdrop, Chillicothe High School’s 2023-24 basketball Lady Hornets wear smiles after becoming only the third CHS girls’ basketball team – and first since 1994 state runnersup – to qualify for state semifinals and finals last Friday. This year’s squad took on St. Louis’ Lift for Life Academy in the Class 4 state semifinals this past Wednesday and played for either first or third place (depending on Wednesday’s result) yesterday. The team members are, from left: Front – Emily Schreiner, Liz Oliver, Jolie Bonderer, Kayanna Cranmer, Delanie Kieffer, Lyla Beetsma; Second row – assistant coach Korby Ford, Emerson Staton, Landry Marsh, Presley Rardon, Lydia Bonderer, Maicee Albrecht, Dawson Baxter, Hayden Hansen, injured Ava Leamer, injured Hope Donoho, head coach Darren Smith; and (behind Albrecht) – assistant coach Terry McKiddy. (BUTCH SHAFFER/C-T PHOTO)
By PAUL STURMC-T Sports Editorpsturm@cherryroad.com Fifth state-tourney trip in coach’s 10 years finally reaches finals site Ten years after Darren Smith made the choice to…
