The Kentwood girl’s basketball team was once again cut short of trophy level after being eliminated in the second round of the 4A state tournament.

The Conks fell to Lynnwood 71-44 in the first round on March 6 in the Tacoma Dome and 57-37 against Skyview the following day.

Senior Sarah Toeaina paced the Conquerors with 14 and 17 points, respectively.

Coach Lisa Ashley said her group struggled to put together a full 32 minutes on the court and committed an uncharacteristically high number of turnovers.

“When you’re going against the best in the state you can’t make mistakes,” she said. “You have to be flawless, or at least near flawless.”

The girls reached the final eight state tournament by beating Chiawana 65-55 in regionals on March 1. Ashley said this year’s group was more poised than last year’s, which was also eliminated after two opening losses.

“We weren’t ranked all year and to come out top eight in the state, that’s a great accomplishment,” she said.

The Conks finished the regular season with a 20-7 record, 13-3 in the division. Toeaina was named to the all-league first team. Kate Kramer and Jenny Johnson earned second team awards, while Alycea Delong, Ashley Rolsma and Zaria Jones were named honorable mentions.