The Panthers of Centralia had already assured themselves a better place at state than last year after failing to make it past the first round last season the Panthers worked past Olpe in the opening round earning a spot in the semifinals facing the number one seed St. John-Hudson squad, for a right to play for the Class 1A-Division I state title.

Panthers opened the game with a 15-12 lead after the first quarter but behind a 21-7 second quarter St. John-Hudson took the lead and held off Centralia down the stretch to grab the 61-56 win. Centralia outscored St. John-Hudson by six in the second half but it wasn't enough to overcome the 11-point halftime deficit they faced.

Despite a second straight double-double from junior, Brett Burdiek with 20 points and 11 rebounds and two others tallying double figures, Centralia fell in the contest. Juniors, Devin Rempe and Sam Steinlage both added double digits with 10 and 14 points. Panthers struggled from three-point land as well in the game only 4-23 from downtown.

St. John-Hudson finished the night with four players in double figures to help lead the way for them on the night.

With the loss Centralia falls to 19-6 on the season and will look to respond in the Class 1A-Division I third place game at 2:00pm against Stockton. You can listen to the game on 92.1 KMZA and online (click here).