CLAFLIN – The Central Plains girls are primed for a fifth consecutive 2A state basketball title.
All-stater Emily Ryan scored 30 points and converted six free throws in the fourth quarter as No. 1 Central Plains outlasted Kiowa County 53-44 in Saturday’s 2A Central Plains substate.
Oiler Julie Donecker scored 11 points. It was the Oilers’ closest game of the season.
Four-time defending 2A state champion Central Plains (23-0) has won 81 consecutive games and is 126-1 over the past five seasons. The Oilers qualify for state for the 15th time.
Sierra Lingafelter led Kiowa County (20-3) with 15 points.

KC 8 12 13 11 – 44
CP 20 11 9 13 – 53
KIOWA CO. (20-3)—Lingafelter 6 1-2 15, VanderHoek 4 2-6 11, Davis 3 2-2 8, Oberle 0 2-2 2, Cecil 0 1-2 1, McVey 3 1-2 7, Totals 16 9-16 44.
CENTRAL PLAINS (23-0)—Emily Ryan 11-25 5-7 30, Rugan 0-4 0-0 0, Donecker 4-7 3-8 11, Avery Hurley 1-4 3-3 5, Stratmann 2-3 0-0 4, Lamatsch 0-4 3-4 3, Totals 18 14-22 53.

2A STATE, MANHATTAN BRAMLAGE COLISEUM

WEDNESDAY’S GAMES

3 p.m.—Central Plains (23-0) vs. Inman (14-8)

4:45 p.m.—Hill City (20-3) vs. Pittsburg Colgan (19-4)

6:30 p.m.—Olpe (22-0) vs. Spearville (17-5)

8:15 p.m.—Howard West Elk (20-2) vs. Blue Rapids Valley Heights (19-5)