Dodge City, KS

1A D1 Girls State Semi-Final.

In a rematch from the 2025 state title game, Little River would avenge the 50-43 loss given to them from the Panthers as they defeated Centralia 59-47 to head to their third straight state title game.

Arguably the most anticipated game across the state lived up to the billing as we went back and forth early with Little River grabbing the lead midway through the first and never giving it back. The Redskins led 17-14 after one, 30-25 at halftime and 48-35 at the end of the third quarter. This felt like 2020 all over again. Down double digits in the state tournament heading to the fourth quarter and a resilient team stepping onto the floor. Centralia would battle, trimming the lead down to just 5 with just over three minutes to go, but would never get closer than that.

A game that stings, but nobody can question the effort of the Panthers in this game. They made just five shots in the second half, yet found a way to get a once thirteen point lead down to five. Forcing 5 turnovers in the fourth quarter the defensive tenacity was there but the hole was too deep to dig out of in this one and the Panthers will try and bring home a third place trophy on Saturday.

Centralia was led in scoring by Junior Josie Haverkamp with an impressive double-double of 25 points and 11 rebounds. The Panthers went just 1-10 from three, but know they have one more game ahead of them. Playing either Pretty Prairie or Wabaunsee in the third place game. That game will be broadcast on 103.9FM KNZA at 2:30PM with the Giant Communications & JBN Telephone Company "Road to Glory" presented by Giant Mobile beginning at 2:15.

Centralia Scoring Leaders - 

J. Haverkamp - 25, M. Becker - 10, H. Kramer - 5, T. Gibbs - 4, C. Thompson - 2, K. Rempe - 1