PANORA — Interstate-35 entered Friday’s Class 2A Region 4 semifinal at No. 6 Panorama riding a seven-game win streak. The Panthers, who had won 11 straight, were not impressed.
Panorama opened put the game away early by posting a nine-point halftime lead (23-12) that grew to 13 after three periods (37-24). The Roadrunners simply could not make up the ground, and fell by a 47-30 final.
I-35 (16-7) was led by 11 points from Gracey Grigliore, with Cheyenne Hiatt adding eight points. Six points from Slye Richardson, four from Gracie McCunden and a Libby Kennedy free throw capped the Roadrunner offense.
Bailey Beckman guided the hosts with 15 points, with Morgan Johnk and Faith Powell adding eight apiece. Kellie Prince scored six points, with five each form Hope Wilderman and Devyn Kemble completing the Panther scoring list.
The victory sets up a third meeting with No. Van Meter (19-3), who topped Des Moines Christian, 52-41, Friday. Panorama was a 59-51 overtime victor at Van Meter Jan. 23, then topped the Bulldogs in overtime again, this time 50-44, in Panora Jan. 27.
The two will meet Monday at 7 p.m. in Waukee, with the winner earning a spot in the Class 2A State Tournament.
