By Howie Hanson
Chloe Johnson poured in 35 points to lead second-seeded Duluth Marshall to a decisive 63-38 victory over Sauk Centre on Wednesday night in a Class 2A girls basketball state tournament quarterfinal at Maturi Pavilion.
Marshall seized control early, building a 28-15 halftime lead behind Johnson’s scoring and steady defensive pressure. The Hilltoppers continued to extend the margin after the break, outscoring seventh-seeded Sauk Centre 35-23 in the second half.
Candice Ndomb added 13 points for Marshall, while Anna Saari finished with nine.
Sauk Centre struggled offensively against Marshall’s defense, managing just 15 points in the first half and never closing the gap in the final two quarters.
Elizabeth Herickhoff led Sauk Centre with 10 points. Kahlen Suelflow and Nya Thieschafer each scored eight.
With the victory, Duluth Marshall advances to the Class 2A semifinals Friday night at Williams Arena in Minneapolis, where the Hilltoppers will face the winner of the New London-Spicer vs. Minnehaha Academy quarterfinal.