In a heavyweight battle between Franklin Community and Center Grove, these teams had combined for just four losses all season. 

Center Grove’s lone loss on the year was to the same Franklin squad they would get a rematch with for a chance to advance to Gainbridge Fieldhouse on the line. 

It was initially a cold start for both teams, but after a few minutes of a scoreless stalemate junior Lilly Bischoff got things going with an emphatic and-one conversion. 

Through the first eight minutes, it would be an even distribution of scoring as they took a 10-9 lead into the second period. 

Senior Emma Buening had the biggest chunk for the Cubs with four points while senior Aubrie Booker would just beat the buzzer on a lay up to give the Trojans some more life to start the quarter. 

During the second period, it was all Trojans as they got out to a 10-3 run before settling in for a 23-16 lead into the half. 

The run was greatly due to senior Rachel Wirts who started to take control in the paint. Scoring all eight of her first-half points in the second quarter. 

The third quarter was more of the same for Center Grove as they continued to pull away into a double digit lead. 

It was not for a lack of effort from senior Scarlett Kimbrell, though. The three point sniper hit consecutive NBA-range shots as she worked up to her final point total of 16. 

Each time Kimbrell would let one rip from deep, Center Grove had an answer with one of their several bucket-getters. 

The Trojans just kept their balanced attack throughout the game, with junior Ava Grant leading the way with 14 points. Seniors Aubrie Booker and Wirts chipped in eight points each while junior Lilly Bischoff totaled nine points. 

As for the Cubs, their senior-heavy squad comes up just short to one of the two best teams in the state. 

Franklin Community will return just one point scorer from the game in Aubrey Runyon, who finished with two points. It was a great season that may have ended in a state championship run if they were in a smaller class.

It was a shame their was so much controversy in the 45-33 victory for the Trojans with several questionable calls from the officials. Nonetheless, the now 27-1 squad will have their toughest test yet. 

Center Grove will play Lawrence Central at 8:00 p.m. tonight to determine who will play in the 4A state championship. As two of the top three teams in the state, this will essentially be a state championship-esque game.