The Centralia Panthers are headed back to the State Championship game for the first time since 2007 and will play in the game for the eighth time, after beating St. Paul in the Semifinals 48-31.

Panthers pounced early with a strong first quarter hitting a pair of three's, feeding the post and attacking the basket to lead 16-9 after the first quarter. The lead only grew as Centralia put together a 18-7 second quarter as senior, Amaris Jones paced the way in the first half, scoring 10 points in the first half. Second half wasn't much different as Centralia rained in a few more three's, continued to dominate the glass winning that battle 43-27 and continued to stymie St. Paul's offense cruising to the 48-31 win.

Centralia held St. Paul to just 11-50 shooting for 22% in the game and 2-16 from three-point range, and not allowing a double figure scorer by St. Paul who had three gals averaging double figures coming into the game. The Panthers themselves shot 41.9% from the floor and 50% from three-point range (7-14) in the contest, while also notching 14 assists on 18 made field goals, sharing the ball well in the contest on their way improving to 21-4 on the year.

Freshman, Katie Glatczak led Centralia on the hit going 4-4 from three-point range and finished with 12 points, with three steals, three rebounds and three assists. Sophomore, Cassidy Haufler added another double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds, along with four assists and three blocks, while Jones finished with 10 points and nine rebounds for Centralia.

The Panthers next draw the number one team in the State and the three time defending State Champs in the undefeated Hoxie Indians who have the longest winning streak in Kansas history at 93-straight games. Centralia will look for their first State title since 2004 when they take on Hoxie at 4:00pm on Saturday in Emporia in the 1A-DI State Championship.