Girls Basketball: Despite Top Seed, Lincoln-Way West Falls to Morris in Regional Opener

The Hot Read: Four of Lincoln-Way West’s starters fouled out and Morris scored nearly half of its points from the free throw line in a 58-48 victory over the Warriors in the Class 3A Morris Regional semifinals Wednesday in Morris.

Patch's MVP: Lincoln-Way West's Kaitlyn Ray scored 14 points.

Home-court advantage: No. 4 Morris used its experience, home-court advantage and hit 26-of-44 from the free throw line to upset No. 1 seed Lincoln-Way West.

Reversal of fortunes: A year ago, Lincoln-Way West won the Ottawa Regional as the No. 4 seed.

Lincoln-Way West Leaders: Senior Kaitlyn Ray (14 points), senior Jessica McDonald (10 points), senior Sam Villa (9 points).

Morris Leader: Layney Miller (14 points).

Home or guests: Despite playing on its home floor, Morris was the guest on the scoreboard because of its No. 4 seed. Lincoln-Way West was the home team because of its top seeding.

Crying foul: Lincoln-Way West made 13-of-23 from the free throw line. Morris, on the other hand, was in the super bonus nearly all of the second and all of the fourth quarter. The Redskins shot and made nearly twice as many free throws as the Warriors.

Quotable: “They took us out of rhythm,” Lincoln-Way West coach Ryan White said. “We were in the same regional last year and won it. We thought we had a great opportunity.”

Records: Lincoln-Way West ended its second varsity season 20-8.