Centralia Girls Hold Off California Rally For Sectional Win

Photo Courtesy of Austin Ward, Alpha Media Moberly, MO

The Centralia Lady Panthers held off a late rally by the California Lady Pintos for a 56-48 sectional win Monday. California led 14-11 after one quarter then Centralia pulled ahead by winning the second quarter 18-6. Morgan Ross had 10 of her team-high 17 points in that quarter.

Austin Ward with the calls on KRES and centralmoinfo.com. The Lady Panthers extended that lead further in the third and early fourth.

From there, California went on a 13-2 run to cut its deficit to four. Momentum was stunted when the Lady Pintos double dribbled on a made shot, then Centralia iced the game with free throws. Coach Megan Brinkmann…

Leading scorer Braylin Brunkhorst had 12 points when she went down in the third quarter with a left knee injury after a California player clipped her while diving for a loose ball.

Freshman Ryenn Gordon produced 10 points. The win sets up a Clarence Cannon Conference quarterfinal against South Shelby.

California ends its season 19-10. Centralia moves to 24-4.

Centralia coach Megan Brinkmann: