By Jeff Motz

Lincoln Prep Sports.com

Millard West cruised to an early 14-0 lead and never looked back at Lincoln Southeast.  The Wildcats (23-1) shut out the Knights from the field and only allowed a free-throw in the first quarter while on their way to a 57-39 win in the opening round of the Class A Girls State Basketball Tournament at the Devaney Center Thursday afternoon.

Millard West got an early spark from junior guard Ashleigh Nelson, who scored 12 of her 16 points in the first quarter.  Nelson hit two threes and Amber Lutmer hit a layup for an early 8-0 lead in the first two minutes of the game.  

With the Wildcats up 14-0, Southeast's Haley Lake hit one of two free-throws with 1:10 left in the opening quarter.  Millard West scored the final five points of the period, including a three-point play from Nelson at the buzzer for a 19-1 lead.

The Knights started hitting from outside in the second quarter.  Alexa Kastanek, who led Southeast with 12 points, scored 10 of her points in the quarter, including two three-pointers during a short spurt.  

Millard West finished the half strong behind Alison Janecek, who scored six of her game high 17 points in the second quarter for a 32-17 halftime lead.

Southeast showed signs of life early in the second half, before Millard West pulled away and held on for the win.

Joslyn Schmutte hit two threes in the second half for Southeast and finished with seven points.