The Central Plains girls expended every last bit of energy to keep the reign going strong for a program that has made things look easy over the last decade.
The Oilers were locked in a 33-33 game with previously unbeaten Golden Plains after three quarters. Central Plains responded by scoring the first 11 points of the fourth quarter en route to a 50-38 win in the Class 1A Division 2 state championship Saturday at the Kirkman Center.
The Oilers pushed their state-record run of consecutive state championships to eight.
" They are just warriors. They fight hard," said Central Plains coach Pat Stiles. "Maddie McGuire sprains her ankle and fights through it. We got Kassidy sick. She was exhausted. Brynna's been fighting a back injury all year.”
Central Plains' reign started with a state title in 2014. The first five titles were in Class 2A, while the last three at the 1A levels. The Oilers were undefeated in Emily Ryan's senior year (2019-20), but that state tournament was canceled by the KSHSAA due of fears of COVID-19.
"Each year, it's more special every time," said Nixon, one of three Oiler seniors with Madison McGuire and Kailynn Depperschmidt. "Anything can happen this time of year. We knew we had to push through it and we knew we could get there."
"Part of it is that they don't want to be the seniors that lose the state championship," Stiles said. " I'm fortunate to coach them. Just so lucky. They're great kids."
Kyla Metro gave the Oilers a huge boost with 15 points while McGuire and Hammeke added 11 each. Nixon filled up the stat sheet in typical fashion, posting 8 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists and 7 steals.
The Oilers (24-1) lost a game to two-time 2A state champion Sterling (26-0).
McGuire's ankle injury occurred in the first half. She came out briefly for treatment and was noticeably limping throughout the game but stayed in.
"I was in a lot of pain, but it's my last game of my senior year," McGuire said. "I couldn't miss it.”
Hammeke said that kind of toughness is typical.
"Maddie and Kassidy both are warriors and they'll fight through any pain they need to in order to stay on the court and help us," Hammeke said.
"It's the work ethic and the determination my team has. We all obviously love the sport and we'll do anything for each other."
Hammeke battled leg cramps in the Oilers’ 44-39 semifinal win over Hanover. She was slowed by a bad back she's been fighting for several months.
"It gave me some troubles. I was recovering from the cramps from last night," Hammeke said. “The adversity and determination is what got me through the game, with the help of the fans and the coaches encouraging me."
"She's my best friend," Nixon said. "It kills me every day to see her in pain in practice and in games, but I know she can push through it, and I'm so proud of her for that."
Golden Plains hasn't lost a regular-season game since 2018. The Bulldogs (23-1) led 19-18 halftime after a 3-pointer from Breanna Rath.
Nixon gave the Oilers the lead with a bucket to start the fourth, before Madison McGuire made a jumper. Hammeke later capped off the 13-0 run with a layup to put the Oilers up 46-35 with four minutes left.
Golden Plains went 1 of 10 from the field in the fourth quarter while Central Plains was 6 of 9.
"They made a little spurt there, really a lot like they did last year when we played them (in the semifinals)," Golden Plains coach Parker Christensen said. "Our defense was tremendous for three quarters. We couldn't score with them when they were making their spurt. That's where the separation happened."
Metro went 3 of 5 from 3-point range for the Oilers.
"She had a stretch here when she was struggling," Stiles said of Metro. "She's a kid that just comes in every evening and shoots. What a time for it to click."
Reese McGuire helped seal it with a trey that put the Oilers up 49-38 with 2:40 left.
"We didn't want her to shoot it, but she's got ice in her veins," Stiles said.
A year ago, Madison and Reese McGuire were playing against the Oilers in the state title game with Cunningham. They transferred to Central Plains for this school year and made an immediate impact, with Stiles calling their arrival a "godsend."
"They're a big asset, clearly," Hammeke said. "We’re very fortunate to have gained them. I'm really going to miss Maddie down low next year, but I'll have Reese for another year."
Madison McGuire said it was smooth transition into the program.
"I was a little nervous at first, but they made it so easy," McGuire said. "They're just such amazing girls and I wouldn't trade them for the world. The coaches (Stiles and assistant Jim Ryan), they're so amazing. The girls, we work so well together on the floor, but we also get along well off the floor, too. We have great chemistry on the team."
Senior point guard Kassie Miller capped off a remarkable career with 19 points for the Bulldogs.
Central Plains went 18 of 40 from the field while Golden Plains was 13 of 43. The Bulldogs were dealt a key injury to Sidney Taylor, who played eight minutes before getting hurt.
Christensen said he was immensely proud of what the Bulldogs accomplished this season. His senior class of Miller, Rayna Taylor, Morgan Wark, Lauren Patmon, Carli Nieman and Amie Cheney helped the Bulldogs finish 96-4 over four seasons.
"It's awesome," Chistensen said. "From the very first practice till the final horn there, they just had attitude that we can outwork everybody we play. We're not the most talented team but we compete hard every day and work hard every day. I'm just proud of them."
Stiles also lauded the Bulldogs.
"They're a great a team," Stiles said. "People say they don't play a tough schedule. But that's as good of defense is we've seen all year. And that Miller girl, so smart, so heady."
In a special moment following the game, Claflin native and basketball legend Jackie Stiles presented her father and his Oilers with the state trophy and medals. Stiles and other former girls basketball stars from around the state were on hand at state tournament cites in celebration of 50 years of Title IX.
It was the first time Jackie Stiles had watched Central Plains win a state championship since the Oilers captured their first championship in 2014.
