(Photo courtesy of Bakerink Visuals)

The Norwalk girls basketball team earned a spot in the Class 4A regional finals with a win over Lewis Central in Saturday’s regional semifinal, which was heard live on the KNIA3 stream. The Titans kept it close for most of the contest, but the Warriors prevailed 53-42.

Though the Warriors defeated the Titans by 36 in their previous meeting in mid-December, Saturday’s contest was much more dramatic. With multiple lead changes and slim leads, the first three quarters remained close, with Norwalk’s largest lead being eight points. The Warriors, however, would begin the fourth quarter with a 13-2 run sparked by several defensive stops that created transition buckets, and would win the game by 11 points. Norwalk forced 15 Lewis Central turnovers, five of which came in the fourth quarter.

The Warriors were once again led in scoring by Iowa’s #2 scorer, Braylyn Birmingham, who recorded 21 points and nine rebounds despite being held to just 30% shooting, 23% below her average. Senior Hannah Overhosler followed with 18 vital points, and Ava Carlson also controlled nine rebounds. Lewis Central was led in scoring by junior Macie Vetter’s 13 points. 

Tuesday’s Class 4A Region 3 Championship will be played at Norwalk’s NPECC as the Warriors will take on Independence. 16-7, the Mustangs defeated Waterloo East 72-46 in the adjacent regional semifinal. Independence did not win a playoff game last season, but won nine more games this season, and finished fourth in the WaMaC East Conference. Tuesday’s game can be heard live on the KNIA3 stream with pregame coverage beginning at 6:45 p.m.