For awhile, it looked as if a first round bye in the Class MM state tournament was not much of an advantage for the St. Paul girls basketball team, as Waterford jumped out in front by a 16-8 margin at the end of the 1st quarter Thursday night. But slowly and steadily, the Falcons chipped away, cutting the margin to 5 points at the half and 4 at the end of the third, before exploding with a 19 point fourth and pulling out a 53-50 win at the St. Paul gym.

In an unusual box score, Waterford posted nine more 2-point baskets than St. Paul, but the Falcons hit for five 3’s and outscored their opponent from the foul line 10-4.

Izzy Leggett came up huge for the Falcons with 17 points and 8 rebounds. Leggett was also responsible for all ten of St. Paul’s points from the charity stripe, as she was fouled repeatedly driving to the hoop.

Nadia Reimer, with 13 points and 6 rebounds, and Audrey Tice, with 10 points, each made big contributions to the Falcon victory.

Milky Walker of Watertown was almost unstoppable with a game-high 26 point performance.

St. Paul now advances to the quarterfinal round with another home game against 13th ranked Northwestern, who upset #4 seed Nonnewaug, 36-35. That game will be on Monday night in a 7:00 start.