The top-seed Olpe boys held off No. 8 Little River to advance to the 1A-DI semifinals with a 57–53 victory to earn their fifth-straight state semifinal appearance. The Eagles and Redskins were tight early trading the lead throughout the first 16 minutes but Little River converted a controversial tip-in at the end of the first half to lead 27-24 at the break. Olpe battled back in the third to take a 41-39 lead into the final eight minutes as the Eagles couldn’t build on a lead that was as high as eight after halftime as the game featured 10 lead changes and 11 ties. The Eagles made key baskets, stops, and free throws down the stretch to hold off a Little River comeback. Head coach Chris Schmidt said it was a tough game for both teams.
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Olpe dominated the free throw line outscoring the Redskins 21-3 at the charity stripe while winning the points off turnovers battle 21-5. Brecken McGuire led the way with 24 points. Olpe (22-2) will face Central Plains in the semifinals at 4P on Friday. Pregame coverage will begin at 3:40 p.m. on Country 101.7.
