Queen Bees stay perfect enroute to first State Tournament appearance in 47 years

BLOOMFIELD - After 47 years in the waiting, the Bloomfield Queen Bees are going back to the Capital city.

Earning the #1 overall seed in Class D1 Districts and boasting a perfect 25-0 record, Bloomfield matched up with the #16 seed, Wauneta-Palisade Broncos.

From the opening tip to the final buzzer, the Queen Bees were in control. Aleah James knocked down a three in the early seconds to set the tone for Bloomfield. The Bees nailed six triples in the first quarter to jump out to a 28-18 lead after one.

Mesa Cox was showing off her deep range for the Broncos, hitting a few deep first-half threes.

Madyson Mlady took control of the offense for Bloomfield, scoring 14 points in the first half and helped the Queen Bees extend their lead to 17 points at the break.

After a slower second quarter in terms of scoring, Madyson Mlady continued her strong play on the offensive end. Kennedy Mlady also became a bigger factor after her playing time was limited due to early fouls.

Hailey Eisenhauer added a few big three-pointers to the Queen Bee's total and was all over on the defensive side of the ball.

Bloomfield held on for the 74-45 win over Wauneta-Palisade, sending the Queen Bee's to the State Tournament for the first time since they went back to back in 1978, finishing as the runner-ups and the 1979 season.

Madyson Mlady led the way with 29 points, followed by Kennedy Mlady with 12 and Hailey Eisenhauer with 10. Aleah James and Harley Schmeckpeper scored 9 points each.

Kamryn Fanning led the Broncos with 11 points. Emma Acton added 10 and Mesa Cox scored 9.