Winning is a nature for Centralia Panthers athletic teams and the boys were looking to make it past the first round of the Class 1A-Division I state tournament this year after falling in the first round last season. Centralia came into the tourney as the five seed drawing the fourth seeded Olpe Eagles in the first round.

Olpe opened the game with a 20-13 first quarter holding the lead over Centralia after the first period, but Centralia responded and came up big with clutch shots throughout the game, to grab the 59-54 win and continue their season.

After being down by seven after the first quarter, Centralia answered with a 20-9 second quarter to lead it 33-29 at the half and hold off Olpe who made runs in the second half.

Panthers were lead by a stellar performance by junior, Brett Burdiek who tallied a double-double on the night with 23 points and grabbed 14 points. Fellow junior, Sam Steinlage joined Burdiek in double figures with 17 points on the night and some clutch shots.

Centralia improved to 19-5 with the win and advances on in the Class 1A-Division I state tournament as they will take on the number one seed St. John-Hudson squad who dispatched their opponent 68-44 in the first round. Panthers will play at 8:15pm against St. John-Hudson and you can hear the game on 103.9 KNZA.