Farmington Knights Rally to Defeat Hazelwood West 64-58 in Thrilling Match

The Farmington Knights overcame a challenging start to secure a 64-58 victory against the Hazelwood West Wildcats in a Class 5 state quarterfinal girls basketball game on March 15, 2025. After trailing by as many as 12 points early in the match, the Knights mounted a comeback, fueled by a strong fourth-quarter performance from key players.

Farmington’s Madison Clay emerged as a pivotal force, scoring 11 of her total 18 points in the final quarter. Her performance was complemented by Kate Jenkerson, who assisted Clay on three crucial baskets during this decisive stretch. Lila Roth also contributed significantly, adding 15 points to the team’s total.

Turning the Tide

The Knights started slowly, falling behind 20-8 after the first quarter. However, they responded with tenacity, limiting Hazelwood West to just seven points in both the second and third quarters. By halftime, Farmington had trimmed the deficit to just four points, with the score at 27-23.

Farmington’s resurgence began in the second quarter, as Jenkerson and Roth drilled jump shots in the lane, while Clay added a crucial putback. Madison Klinkhardt tied the game at 25-25 with her free throws, marking a turning point in the match.

The third quarter saw Ella Scott hit a pivotal 3-pointer, giving Hazelwood West a brief lead at 33-30. However, Farmington quickly retaliated, taking control of the game as they executed excellent ball movement. Roth’s three-pointer from the left side, combined with Jenkerson’s midcourt assist to Clay, helped the Knights establish a commanding 55-44 lead.

Standout Performances

Despite the loss, Hazelwood West’s Jamiah Herring put on a remarkable display, scoring 31 points, with 16 of those coming in the fourth quarter. Herring demonstrated exceptional skill at the free-throw line, sinking all 15 attempts. Additionally, Zay’Niyah Jackson contributed 10 points to the Wildcats’ effort. However, the team’s overall shooting performance, including a free throw success rate of 84% (21-of-25), was not enough to secure the win.

The Farmington Knights improved their record to 3-0 with this victory, while Hazelwood West fell to 0-2. The match showcased the resilience and determination of the Knights, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.

In other local basketball news, North County defeated Steelville 68-45, with standout performances from Raegan Pierce and Emma Roper. West County overwhelmed Kingston with a score of 69-11 in a dominant display, while Bismarck routed Valley 71-9, showcasing the depth of talent in the region.

The Farmington Knights’ thrilling comeback underscores the unpredictable nature of high school basketball, where determination and teamwork can lead to remarkable outcomes even in the face of adversity.