Hanover roared out of the gates and never looked back Thursday, defeating Lebo 94-42 in the Class 1A Division II state semifinals at White AuditoriuminEmporia.
The Wildcats set the tone immediately, opening the game on a 15-0 run and building a commanding 24-8 lead by the end of the first quarter. Hanover continued to control the pace in the second period, extending the margin to 42-23 by halftime.
The second half brought more of the same as Hanover’s offense stayed efficient and its defense limited Lebo’s opportunities. The Wildcats pushed the lead to 73-34 by the end of the third quarter before closing out the 94-42 victory.
Hanover shot an impressive 39 of 64 from the field in the contest, while Lebo finished 16 of 56.
Cooper Bruna and Jack Bruna each scored 21 points to lead the Wildcats. Lebo was paced by Colby Fehr and Jae’Mykel Hall, who finished with 11 points apiece.
With the result, Lebo moves to the third-place game where the Wolves will face Cunningham at noon Friday. Hanover advances to the state championship game and will take on Axtell Saturday at 2:30 p.m.
