In March, the Centralia girls basketball team capped off a remarkable season by capturing the Class 1A-I State Championship, closing out a perfect 26–0 campaign with a hard-fought 50–43 victory over Little River in the title game. The win not only sealed an undefeated season but also delivered the Panthers their first girls state basketball championship since 2016.

Now-graduated senior Oen Deters delivered a performance for the ages, leading Centralia with 29 points and seven rebounds on the sport’s biggest stage. Tava Gibbs provided a strong all-around effort with 10 points and seven rebounds, while Hayden Kramer controlled the paint with five points and 10 rebounds.

The championship victory carried extra meaning for the Panthers. One year earlier, Centralia’s season ended at the hands of Little River in the state semifinals. This time, the Panthers turned disappointment into motivation, finishing the job and securing a memorable title run that will stand as one of the defining moments of 2025.