The Horton girls basketball team opened Class 2A postseason play in solid fashion Thursday night, earning a 54-40 quarterfinal victory over Valley Falls.

The Chargers (16-7) wasted little time setting the tone, racing out to a 15-5 lead by the end of the first quarter.

Valley Falls (8-16) responded with resilience in the second period, using a 10-0 run to trim the deficit to just two points. However, Horton steadied itself before halftime and carried a 24-18 advantage into the break.

The Chargers seized control in the third quarter, delivering their most decisive stretch of the night. Horton outscored the Dragons 22-9 in the period, building a commanding 19-point lead heading into the final frame.

Horton dominated the boards, outrebounding Valley Falls 38-25. The game featured heavy defensive pressure on both sides, as the teams combined for 52 turnovers. At the free-throw line, Horton finished 13 of 23, while the Dragons converted 9 of 14 attempts.

Kansas Keo led the Chargers with 12 points and four rebounds. Kirsten Smith added 11 points, doing much of her work at the free-throw line. Kara Coversup narrowly missed a double-double, contributing eight points and a game-high 11 rebounds.

For Valley Falls, Chloe Cox scored 13 points and grabbed three rebounds, while Caydren Strickler added nine points.

With the win, Horton advances to the sub-state semifinals and will travel to face Maur Hill-Mount Academy on Tuesday, March 3.