The final month of the high school basketball season kicked off Friday night and in a Twin Valley League doubleheader in Frankfort the Wildcats and Centralia Panthers split.

GIRLS

In a matchup of top five ranked teams in the state of Kansas the No. 3-ranked Frankfort Wildcats used a 19-7 third quarter to take control and come away with a 59-49 win over No. 5 Centralia.

After suffering a loss at the buzzer to Frankfort just two weeks ago in the TVL Tournament Semifinals, Centralia started quickly Friday night jumping out to an 18-3 lead after the first quarter behind seven points from junior Morgan Kramer.

Frankfort came right back with a strong second quarter, as junior Alli Tommer scored six of her 16 points in the third to pull the Widlcats even at 27 at the half.

The Wildcats continued their strong play out of halftime, outscoring Centralia 19-7 in the third quarter to take a 46-34 lead into the fourth.

Frankfort iced the game with clutch plays down the stretch, as junior Kennen Brandt notched 11 points in the fourth including going 4-for-4 from the free throw line.

Brandt led the Wildcats (14-1, 7-1 TVL) with 19 points including 6-of-7 shooting from the line, while the Panthers (10-4, 8-1 TVL) were led by Kramer’s 14 points.

Frankfort senior Emilee Ebert also scored 9 points in the game, going over 1,500 points in her career while also pulling down five rebounds and dishing out six assists. 

Frankfort: Kennen Brandt – 19, Alli  Tommer – 16, Mariah Broxterman – 13, Emilee Ebert – 9 Tara Fox – 2.

Centralia: Morgan Kramer – 14, Maddy Lueger – 13, Maegan Kock – 7, Kate Elliott – 6, Avery Deters – 3, Tamra Jones – 3, Jade Rumbo – 3.

BOYS

Behind a 23-7 third quarter, the Centralia boys got by Frankfort Friday night with a solid 64-43 victory hitting 10 3-pointers in the contest.

The Panthers jumped out to a quick lead, as senior Nathan Haufler notched eight first quarter points giving Centralia an 18-11 lead after one.

After pushing the lead to eight at halftime, the Panthers put the game out of reach with that 23-7 third quarter led by senior Daegan Steinlage’s 9 points in the quarter.

Centralia (9-6, 6-3 TVL) was able to overcome 14 turnovers in the victory and will next be in action Tuesday hosting St. Marys, while Frankfort (7-8, 4-4 TVL) hosts Axtell Tuesday evening.

Centralia: Daegan Steinlage – 15, Nathan Haufler – 13, Kamble Haverkamp – 11, Colby Arnold – 9, Derek VanDorn – 7, Noah Quigley – 4, Kenton Talley – 3, Ian Haverkamp – 2.

Frankfort: Garret Dainghaus – 13, Brandon Anderson – 8, Gavin Cornelison – 6, Mitchell Olson – 6, Caden Dalinghaus – 5, Carson Schreiner – 3, Jarett Gros – 2.