The class 1A semis highlighted Wednesday’s action at the girls state basketball tournament. Top ranked Springville is a victory away from a second consecutive title after the Orioles held off fifth rated North Butler 46-45 in overtime. Katie Eiben led Springville with 16 points, Sarah Davidson scored 10.

Jessica McDowell scored 15 points and third-ranked AGWSR put the game away with its free throw shooting down the stretch, beating No. 10 George-Little Rock 47-40 Wednesday night to reach the Class 1A championship game.

Top ranked Linn-Mar survived a defensive battle against Cedar Rapids Xavier to post a 32-29 win and advance to the class 4A semifinal round. Lions coach Mike Brandt says he was happy with the way his team battled through the tough game as he says they haven’t had a lot of games like that. Brandt says Xavier did an outstanding job of limiting what his team could do. Linn-Mar improves to 24-0.

After losing four straight games to close out the regular season Cedar Rapids Kennedy is a victory away from reaching the state title game. The Cougars shot a blistering 46 percent for the game and rolled to a 68-50 win over Waukee. Jade Rogers paced Kennedy with 20 points and 15 rebounds. Laura Boenish chipped in with 17 points, including 14 in the opening half.

Rogers says it’s great to get a win as they didn’t know what they were getting into in that four game losing streak. Waukee ends the season 17-7 and with no seniors on the team they are already looking ahead to next year.

[guess1] :16 :experience

Waukee coach Chris Guess says "it was a treat to qualify" and as a young team he says they hope to come back with more experiences.

In the class 4A quarterfinal round, second rated Sioux City North raced out to a 23-11 lead at the end of one and cruised to a 78-56 win over Indianola. The Indians did make a comeback and eventually trimmed the lead to five but the Stars took control midway through the third quarter of play as they improve to 23-1.

Sioux City North coach Kirk Walker says they hope their pressure wears on people and it did seem to create problems for Indianola. Brittni Donaldson led the way with 20 points as nine different Stars got into the scoring column.

Indianola coach Burt Hanson says the Indians were beaten by a better team. Indianola closes the season with a record of 17-7.