Royal Valley Panthers Girls Basketball Team

The opportunity was up for grabs for a trip to State in Class 3A action and the Royal Valley Panther girls pounced on the opportunity by winning the Silver Lake Sub-State title.

Royal Valley was able to accomplish the State berth behind a balanced attack throughout Sub-State and throughout the season leading to their overall success under first year Coach, Kyle Porter. The Panthers opened Sub-State in the first round at home earning a 55-34 win over Oskaloosa. Royal Valley led 10-4 after the first quarter in the contest and then used a 16-6 third quarter to help secure the win. Tamo Thomas led a trio of gals in double figures scoring 14 points while Marlissa Jordan and Mary Broxterman each netted 11 and 10 points, respectively.

The Sub-State Semifinals was a game that went down to the wire but Royal Valley used an 8-4 first quarter to take the early lead and hold off St. Mary’s for the 34-31. Tamo Thomas and Broxterman again tallied double figures scoring 13 and 10 points.

On to the Sub-State Championship where Royal Valley faced off with Mission Valley and the Panthers battled through adversity in the contest and as the game went to double overtime it was Royal Valley on top at the end 53-49. Kiikto Thomas led the team with 14 points while Tamo Thomas and Jordan each scored 12 points.

The Panthers have enjoyed a strong season sitting at 15-7 on the season and have won four in a row and five of last six headed into the Class 3A State tournament. All seven losses by the Panthers this season have come to ranked teams.

Royal Valley is set to take on Nemaha Central in the opening round of the Class 3A State Tournament in Hutchinson as they make their first appearance at State for first time since 2005 and fourth appearance overall.