Making a second-straight appearance in the Class 3A state tournament the Perry Lecompton Kaws looked to be on cruise control in Thursday’s opening round game and for good reason.

The Kaws, the No. 3 seed, led sixth-seeded Larned by 12 points with a little over two minutes to play and looked poised to pick up their first state tournament win since 1980.

In the end Perry Lecompton had to sweat things out before ultimately hanging on after a furious Indian comeback to win 49-48 and move on to the semifinal round of the state tournament on Friday.

The Kaws couldn’t have had a better start to the ballgame, jumping out to an 18-14 lead after the first quarter with senior Colton Mallonee hitting the offensive glass and recording three putbacks and eight total points in the opening frame.

Larned responded with a strong second quarter, outscoring Perry 10-6 in the second quarter to tie the contest up at 24 at the halftime break.

The Kaws got back out in front going into the fourth quarter with an 15-8 third, as senior Conner Morgison notched six third quarter points while Perry’s defense held the Indians to just 37 percent shooting.

Perry got up by as many 12 points in the fourth with two minutes remaining, but shot just 6-of-13 from the free throw line in the final few minutes which is what allowed the Indians to make the game close in the end.

Senior Conner Anderson was the key for the Kaws on Thursday, as he finished with 13 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks and even one steal.

The opening round win was the first victory at state for the Kaws since 1980, Perry now advances to take on 2-seed Beloit in the semifinals Friday afternoon after Beloit got by Eureka 60-36. Tip off for Friday’s semifinal contest is scheduled for 4:45 pm with live coverage on 103.9 KNZA.

Perry: Connor Anderson – 13, Colton Mallonee – 12, Conner Morgison – 8, Parker Stone – 6, Dawson Williams – 6, Blake Farmer – 4.