The Centralia girls defended their title on Friday night.

Defense played a big factor in the Lady Panthers defeating Boonville 54-33 to win the Centralia Invitational championship for the third straight year. Centralia held its second tournament opponent this year under 40 points, allowing nine 3-point attempts by Boonville.

“Their changing defenses throughout the game slowed down our offense so I am extremely proud of how we continued to defend, especially starting off the game only allowing six points in the first quarter,” head coach Megan Brinkmann said. 

Centralia (6-0) led 17-6 after one quarter and 31-18 at halftime. The Lady Panthers finished 13-for-18 at the free throw line and outrebounded Boonville (4-2) 41-22.

Braylin Brunkhorst, Ryenn Gordon and Madi Johnson were named to the all-tournament team. Gordon led with 17 points, eight rebounds and four assists against Boonville, Brunkhorst had 13 points, 11 rebounds and three steals, and Johnson had five points and six rebounds. 

“Friday was a really special night winning the Centralia Invitational for the third year in a row,” Brinkmann said. “We knew Boonville was going to be a tough challenge for us since I thought we would match up with each other really well.”

Centralia, who is ranked fourth in the first Class 3 girls state poll, plays at Class 4 No. 2 Chillicothe (6-0) at 5:30 p.m. Friday.