First time at State as Doniphan West the Mustangs made sure they will play two more games to finish out their season as they worked past Pratt-Skyline in the opening round of the 1A-DI State tournament in Emporia, winning 49-39.

The Mustangs galloped out to a 13-4 lead after just the first quarter and junior, Cooper Leach was pacing the way early with eight of the teams 13 points in the first frame. The offensive slowed down in the second quarter for Doniphan West but the Mustangs held the 22-12 lead at the half. Skyline Thunderbirds took flight to start the second half going on a 13-0 run and behind a Colin Little three-pointer took their first lead at 25-22 with 3:50 to play in the third. The Mustangs responded with an 11-2 run (Skyline hit last bucket of quarter) to close out the quarter and led 35-27. The lead was worked back up to 10 in the fourth but Skyline didn't go away getting it down to five points multiple times, but ultimately down the stretch behind a few free throws, Doniphan West secured the 49-39 win.

With the win the Mustangs move into the Semifinals of the Class 1A-DI State tournament and improve to 18-7 on the season, as Leach led the charge with 15 points and 15 rebounds earning "Player to Bank On" on KNZA. Senior's, Jeffrey Watts and Tynan Bollinger added 11 and 10 points, respectively while Watts dished out four assists and Bollinger grabbed five rebounds, providing great energy. The Mustangs defense helped the cause forcing 14 Skyline turnovers and held them to 36.6% shooting, while Doniphan West out rebounded the Thunderbirds 30-23 and shot 44.4%.

The win assure Doniphan West a top four finish in 1A-DI as they will take the court again on Friday at White Auditorium in the State Semifinals against the two seed Stockton at 4:45pm on 103.9 KNZA. (Other Semifinal - Hartford vs. Hanover)