5-Star Performer: Centura girls basketball claims first state championship

CENTURA, Neb. (KSNB) - For the first time in program history, Centura girls basketball ended the season as a state champion.

“I think it’s everything,” Centura coach Laethion Brown said. “I think it’s just kind of a capstone on what the program already was.”

The Centurions won the Class D1 state title Saturday in a 44-38 win over Hastings St. Cecilia. It was Centura’s first appearance in a state championship game since 2001, while the Hawkettes were playing their fifth straight.

Down by as much as 15, Centura willed its way to a comeback and championship hardware.

“It shows that we created a legacy for ourselves and the program,” said Sydney Davis, who had a double-double of 20 points and 11 rebounds. “We did it and to know that we got here is incredible. There’s no words to explain how awesome this is.”

“As a little girl I watched numerous state basketball tournaments and to finally have that feeling with my best friends on the court, it’s unreal,” added Kyra Wooden, who scored 12 in the title game.

The Centurions are at the top of the podium and finish the year with a 26-3 record.

“These girls gave it their all and that’s why we’re here,” Brown said.

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