Back at State for the fourth straight year and 16th time overall the Hanover Wildcats embarked on repeating as Class 1A-DI State Champions and the Wildcats started that path to perhaps another State title by winning 65-44 over Rawlins County in the first round. 

It was back and forth early on as Hanover traded the lead with Rawlins County and neither team asserted dominance in the first half leading to a 29-29 deadlock at the half. Hanover took control in the second half and was able to establish a double figure lead but only led by five after three quarters and then finished the game strong with a 19-3 fourth quarter to secure the 65-44 win over Rawlins County. 

Carter Bruna and Pete Peters paced Hanover in the win scoring 18 and 12 points, respectively as the Wildcats improved to 21-1 on the season and extended their win streak to 11-straight. Five other players added seven or six points for the Wildcats in the win, while team took care of the ball well with only two turnovers. 

With the win Hanover moves in the 1A-DI Semifinals on Friday, March 9th and will play fellow Twin Valley League school in Centralia at 8:15pm and the game will be broadcasted on 92.1 KMZA.