The Mitchell Kernels showed why they are the defending state AA champions on Thursday night at the Arena with some clutch play in the closing seconds to turn back Central in the opening round of District 3AA play. The Eagles jumped out to an early 7 - 2 lead, but Mitchell came back to tie the score at half. The Kernels appeared to take control of the game midway through the fourth quarter, but a furious rally by the Eagles, playing with 4 underclassmen on the court, set up an exciting finish. A steal and a basket with a foul shot added by Dawn Sillman brought the Eagles to within one at 40-39. On the next possetion, Jen Murphy hit a basket in the lane to give the Eagles the lead 41-40, and appeared to be in great shape when Laura Graf stole the inbounds pass. The Kernels were forced to foul, but Dawn Dell missed the front end of the bonus, and Mitchell made the Eagles pay with Melinda Oster hitting a basket with under 10 seconds to go in the game. Central did get another shot off, but the attempt in the lane by Hilary Aden rolled off the rim at the buzzer.
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