Center Grove Advances to State Finals with Gritty Semi-State Win Over Lawrence Central

Center Grove is headed back to the state championship stage.

The Lady Trojans earned a hard-fought 29–26 victory over Lawrence Central in the Jasper Indiana high school girls basketball semi-state title game, surviving a defensive battle that came down to the final possessions.  In a game where every basket mattered, Center Grove relied on composure, free-throw shooting and timely defense to secure the three-point win.

Senior Gracyn Gilliard led the Trojans with 18 points, carrying much of the offensive load. Gilliard shot 6-of-14 from the field and was especially clutch at the free-throw line, knocking down 6-of-7 attempts (86 percent). She added strong interior presence, finishing 6-of-11 inside the arc.

Haley Wagoner provided key support with eight points on an efficient 4-of-5 shooting performance, giving Center Grove an important scoring boost in a low-scoring contest.

The Trojans finished 11-of-24 from the field (46 percent) overall. Although Center Grove struggled from long range, hitting just 1-of-4 from three-point range (33 percent), they capitalized inside and converted at critical moments.  The game was defined by defense on both sides. Lawrence Central limited transition opportunities and forced contested looks, keeping the Trojans from building separation. The teams combined for just 55 total points in a grind-it-out semifinal.

Center Grove’s ability to close quarters proved decisive. After holding a narrow first-half advantage, the Trojans executed late in the fourth quarter, converting key free throws and forcing stops to protect the lead.  Lawrence Central kept the pressure on until the final seconds, but Center Grove’s defensive discipline and rebounding sealed the victory.