Centralia Faces Top-Ranked El Dorado Springs in Class 3 Semifinal
The Centralia Lady Panthers maiden voyage to the Show-Me Showdown will feature a semifinal matchup with the top-ranked team in Class 3, the El Dorado Springs Lady Bulldogs. The Lady Panthers defeated South Shelby 51-39 in the quarterfinal round to book their trip to Mizzou Arena. Centralia coach Megan Brinkmann says the excitement can be felt throughout the community.
The Lady Panthers face an El Dorado Springs team that is making its third straight trip to the Show-Me Showdown. The Lady Bulldogs bring a 27-3 mark into the semifinal contest and are coming off a 61-51 win over previously undefeated Lathrop in the quarterfinals. Brinkmann says one thing in particular stands out about Eldo.
Neely Schaaf and Alexis Collins both shoot over 40 percent from beyond the arc. The Lady Bulldogs defeated South Shelby for the title in 2022 and lost in the title game last year to Fair Grove. Coach Beau Swopes says they have to be aware of Centralia’s inside game.
Both teams pride themselves on defense with Centralia allowing 37 points per game and El Dorado Springs averaging 40 against. Swopes discusses his defense’s focus.
Coverage of the Class 3 Semifinal between Centralia and El Dorado Springs will begin Friday afternoon at 3:45 on KTCM 97.3 and centralmoinfo.com. Colin Schowe will have the call.
