3A State Semifinal in Hutchinson on Friday, March 11th 

Royal Valley led from start to finish in jumping to a 14-2 early led and completing a 60-52 win over Southeast of Saline to advance to the first state basketball championship game in program history. The Panthers will play defending 3A champ Hesston at 4 PM on Saturday trying to win it all as the Royal Valley girls hoop team did for the first time in 2019. 

Following a 16-4 first quarter advantage the game was never really in doubt with the Panthers ahead 31-20 at halftime shooting 50 percent from the field and had a big lead of 45-30 entering the final period. SE Saline did cut it to 56-52 in the final minute with a barage of four three-pointers, but the Panthers made four free throws in the final seconds to secure the win and improve to 24-1 this season. 

Brady Klotz had a monster game with 21 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists as well as a couple blocks and steals while hitting one trey and making 6 of 8 free throws. After hitting 23 of 26 from the line in the opening round win (60-56) against Girard, Royal Valley made 20 of 26 on Friday in Hutch to help overcome 15 turnovers. Nahcs Wahwassuck had 16 points and KJ Miller added 13 while Mason Thomas finished with 10.