(Hoxie won 59-46 over Hanover - box score) 

Back at State for the first time since 2013 and for the sixth time in school the Hanover lady Wildcats drew the defending State champs in Hoxie in the first round of the Class 1A-DI State Tournament and it was a tough matchup. Hoxie girls earned the win ending the Wildcats season with a 59-46 score. 

It was tight ballgame early as Hanover kept the game close in the first half having the game tied at 10-10 after the first quarter and Hoxie led 25-21 at the half. The game continued to be close through three quarters as Hanover was down by just three going into the fourth. In the fourth the game turned to Hoxie as the Indians posted a 27-17 final frame to gain the win 59-46. The matchup was a physical one featuring 56 total fouls and 74 free throws between the two teams as Hoxie was 30-41 from the charity stripe and Hanover finished 19-33 from the free throw line. 

Brynn Niblock and Terran Hoyt led Hoxie in the win with 18 and 17 points, respectively as Hoxie moved to 23-1 on the season. 

Hanover with the loss finishes the season 18-7 and was led by Riley Doebele and Morganne Zabokrtsky who both scored nine points in the contest. Wildcats did out rebound Hoxie 45-32, but only shot 27.3% from the floor. 

Hanover capped of their season with a strong performance at State and a tough game against Hoxie.