The game was unofficially over soon after the first quarter was underway. The Lawrence-Nelson girls basketball team held the Dorchester Longhorns at bay from the start. The Raiders held an 8-3 first quarter lead. They held Dorchester scoreless in the second period to take a 19-3 lead into the half. A tenacious Raiders defense held Dorchester to 10 second-half points while the Raiders poured through 24 on their way to a 43-13 win at Fairbury Friday. The win secured the number five seed at the state tournament at Lincoln.

Annie McCartney registered 12 points and six rebounds for the game. Hallie Epley poured through nine points while nailing down five rebounds. Emily Miller scored eight points to go along with four rebounds. Taylor Harrington accounted for six points and a rebound. Karigan Drudik contributed five points and two rebounds. Allison Miller listed two points and five rebounds for the game. Emma Epley scored a point and nabbed two rebounds.

The number five seed Raiders begin their march to a state championship when they tip off against the number four seed Wynot Blue Devils today (Thursday) at Lincoln North Star High School. Game time is scheduled for 10:45 a.m. The outcome of today’s game will determine when, where and who the Raiders play over the next two days. Should they lose today, they will return home. .