BOONE — A dominating first quarter helped spark Boone to a 60-32 win over Perry in girls Class 4A Region 3 basketball Wednesday.
The victory sends Boone (13-8) to Gilbert Saturday while Perry (1-20) had their season ended with the loss.
Perry struggled to score in the opening quarter, hitting just 1-of-10 shots from the floor. The Jayettes were guilty of only two turnovers during the span, and though trailing by 13 were playing well.
Leading 15-2, Boone could have put the game away in the second quarter but outscored Perry just 12-9 to enter the break with a 27-11 lead. The Jayettes had opportunities to trim their deficit, but connected on just 2-of-8 free throws in the first half. The guests finished the game 7-of-16 at the stripe while the hosts buried 10-of-13.
Perry tried to stay within an outside chance at the upset as they entered the final frame down, 40-22, but were outscored 20-10 in the fourth quarter in taking the loss.
Freshman Jayna Kenney led the Jayettes with 13 points, with Molly Lutmer hitting a 3-pointer and making 5-of-6 foul shots to score eight points, all in the second half. Ainsley Marburger splashed two treys for six points, with Hannah Peterson scoring four points and Quinn Whiton one.
Madi Danner had 16 points and Emma Dighton 14 (8-for-8 at the line) to lead Boone. Katie Winter had nine points, Ashley Behrendt eight, Emmy Lewis six, Emily Ades five and Zoe Hightshoe two.
The loss ends the prep career of Perry seniors Gabby West and Lillian Robles.
