Taylor McAulay (3) scored14 points Thursday to help lead Centennial to a 63-30 win over Spring Lake Park in the Class 4A, Section 5 final. The Cougars advance to the state tourney for the first time since 2015. Photo by Earl J. Ebensteiner, SportsEngine
In the buildup to Thursday’s Class 4A, Section 5 championship, Centennial and Spring Lake Park each had their own barriers to break through to reach the game.
Centennial, for instance, saw Sara Stapleton return from a knee injury on Feb. 13. Thursday was her seventh game back.
Centennial’s Jenna Guyer and Spring Lake Park's Joelle Talso fight for possession in Thursday's Class 4A, Section 5 final. The Cougars beat the Panthers 63-30. Photo by Earl J. Ebensteiner, SportsEngine
Centennial dismantled Spring Lake Park 63-30, Thursday to win the Class 4A, Section 5 final, qualifying for its first state tournament since 2015.
The Cougars (25-4) jumped out to a 7-0 lead after an early drought from both sides. Sara Stapleton was effective close to the basket giving Centennial, ranked No. 6 in Class 4A by Minnesota Basketball News on Feb. 27, the early advantage. Stapleton finished with 11 points.
The Panthers (16-13) climbed back minutes later, closing the gap to 11-7, before Centennial found its stride. Taylor McAulay, who finished with a game-high 14 points, converted three three-pointers in the opening half for the Cougars. Jodi Anderson added nine points as Centennial went into the break with a 36-14 lead. Anderson finished with 12.
Centennial never let Spring Lake Park back in the game. The Panthers’ Joelle Talso led her team with eight points on the night.
Spring Lake Park's Averi Dunbar drove to the basket in the second half of the Class 4A, Section 5 final Thursday night. Spring Lake Park lost to Centennial 63-30. Photo by Earl J. Ebensteiner, SportsEngine
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