Millard West girls basketball wins first state championship in thrilling win over Bellevue West, 58-55

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - Millard West girls basketball defeated Bellevue West to take home their first state championship in program history, 58-55.

“My freshman year we only won five games,” said senior forward Taylor Hansen. “To be sitting in this chair with this medal around my neck with my teammates, it’s just the most amazing feeling.”

The Wildcats first title didn’t come easy. In the second quarter, Bellevue West senior Mia McVay hit a three-pointer to cap a 17-2 run and stake the Thunderbirds to a 29-17 lead, their largest of the game.

Then Neleigh Gessert went to work. The junior guard rained down a trio of treys on three consecutive possessions to help Millard West close the half down just four. Gessert finished with a game-high 26 points on 10-18 shooting including five three-pointers.

Millard West made their move in the third. Taylor Hansen closed the frame by drawing the foul on a layup. She completed the old fashion three-point play to hand the Wildcats the 42-41 lead headed into the fourth quarter.

Bellevue West had possession with four seconds remaining and Millard West clinging to a three-point lead. The Thunderbirds three-point attempt hooked left, sealing the 58-55 win for the Wildcats.

“In the locker room before the game we just said one more time,” Marc Kruger said. “We got to go out there and do it one more time. Our backs were against the wall for a lot of that game and they found a way. It was awesome to be a part of.”

The Wildcats finish the season 27-1 with their only loss coming to the eventual Iowa 5A state champions in Johnston, who finished the year 29-0.

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