LA CROSSE 39, CENTRAL PLAINS 36 – La Crosse’s Caden Morgan drilled a go-ahead 3-pointer and Lee Holopirek created a steal and sealed a hard-fought 39-36 victory over Central Plains with a trio of fourth-quarter free throws to capture a 1A Division 1 state tournament berth.

Oiler Peyton Ryan converted a pair of free throws for a 34-32 lead with 3:16 left, but the Oilers committed two turnovers and were outscored 7-2 until the Oilers converted the final basket.

Ryan led the Oilers (18-5) with 15 points and a trio of 3-pointers. Aiden Hekele added eight points.

“It’s tough. Nobody likes to lose, but these boys gave it everything they had," said Oiler coach Michael Ryan.

Sharp-shooting Holopirek led the Leopards with 17 points and four 3-pointers. Logan Skillett scored 10 points.

Central Plains 8 11 11 6 –36

La Crosse 12 9 9 12 –39

CENTRAL PLAINS (18-5)–Ryan 4 4-4 15, Hekele 4 0-4 8, Crites 2 1-2 6, Klima 3 0-0 6, Hurley 0 1-2 1, Daniels 0 0-0 0, Totals 13 6-12 36.

LA CROSSE (19-2)–Lee Holopirek 4 5-6 17, Skillett 5 0-0 10, Burk 4 0-0 8, Morgan 1 1-3 4, Totals 14 6-9 39.

3-pointers–CP 4 (Ryan 3, Crites 1); L 5 (Holopirek 4, Morgan 1)

1A DIV. 1 STATE MARCH 6, COLBY

2 p.m.–South Gray 20-2 vs. Canton-Galva 12-11

4 p.m.–Clifton Clyde 19-3 vs. Olpe 19-3

6 p.m.–La Crosse 19-2 vs. Lawrence Seabury 19-4

8 p.m.–Quinter 19-3 vs. Burden Central 18-4

1A DIV. 2 STATE MARCH 6, GREAT BEND

2 p.m.–Dighton 21-1 vs. Marmaton Valley 11-11

4 p.m.–Cunningham 18-3 vs. Bucklin 16-7

6 p.m.–Axwell 20-2 vs. Beloit St. Johns 13-7

8 p.m.–Northern Valley 20-2 vs. Lebo 15-7