Panhandle 38, Mason 25
Defense proved to be a big key for Panhandle, forcing 18 turnovers and scoring 10 points from extra possessions, which paved the way for the ‘Ettes to win their first state title since 2017.
Junior Riley Segura, who led all scorers with 19 points and collecting eight rebounds, garnered MVP honors that led her team to hoist the gold once again.
Panhandle were off to a quick 15-0 start to start the game, which was an uphill battle for the Cowgirls, who made their first state appearance since 2020.
After shaking off early nerves, Mason found their rhythm.
The Cowgirls were able to cut the deficit down to 10 at halftime and rode a 9-0 run into the fourth quarter that cut the deficit down to four with 5:42 left.
From then, Panhandle tightened their grip on the game as they closed out their drive for a state title with a 9-0 run of their own to capture gold,.
Lipan 42, Martin’s Mill 35
Sydni Gaylor’s debut season could not have ended any better.
The freshman guard was key for the Lady Indians, scoring 23 points and collecting 8 rebounds to lead Lipan to their second state title in three years with a 42-35 victory over defending state champions Martin’s Mill.
Gaylor picked up MVP honors as she led all scorers.
Martin’s Mill struggled to find a basket in the third quarter after a McKenna Wise pull-up jumper late in the second quarter. During the third frame, Lipan rode a 6-0 run that saw them in front, 30-18 with 1:33 left, which proved to be the key difference.
The Lady Indian defense held Martin’s Mill without a basket as Gaylor scored all of Lipan’s points in the frame.
In the fourth quarter, Martin’s Mill were able to cut the deficit down to five with a 9-0 run late but was proved to be too late.
The Lady Mustangs, who finish the year 30-6, saw their bid for three straight state titles come short. Kara Nixon led the team with 17 points and six rebounds.
