The Kearney High School Girls Basketball team delivered a moment Bulldog fans will remember for a long time on Friday night, capturing the 2026 MSHSAA Class 5 District 8 Championship with a dramatic 44–41 victory over Lincoln College Prep at the Bulldog Fieldhouse.

In front of an electric home crowd, the Bulldogs battled throughout a tightly contested game. KHS trailed by one point at halftime before grinding through a defensive third quarter to take a slim lead heading into the final period.

The fourth quarter kept fans on the edge of their seats. With the score tied at 41–41 in the closing seconds, the Bulldogs crossed half-court and called a timeout with 25 seconds remaining, setting up what would be the game’s final possession.

The Bulldogs patiently worked the ball around the perimeter, looking for the right moment. Kennedi Casey delivered a diagonal pass to Maggie Lakin in the paint, who quickly found Brooke Paalhar on the left wing. Paalhar glanced at the clock and launched a high-arching three-pointer just as time expired.

Splash!

The buzzer-beater sealed the district championship, Kearney’s first since 2020, and sent the Bulldog faithful into celebration.

Addie Taylor led the Bulldogs with 13 points and took two critical charges during the game. Brooke Paalhar added 10 points and a team-high six assists, including the game-winning shot. Kennedi Casey led the team with six rebounds, while Mallyrie Schwab-Wetzel contributed nine points and six rebounds. Maggie Lakin scored six points and also drew a key charge, and Morgan Pennington added five points, including a timely three-pointer just before halftime.

The victory moves KHS to 19-10 on the season and advances the Bulldogs to the next round of postseason play.

KHS will face Grandview in the state sectional round at 6 p.m. on Friday, March 13, at Belton High School (801 W North Ave. 
Belton MO 64012), with a trip to the State Final Four in Columbia on the line. Get your tickets today!

Congratulations to our Bulldog student-athletes and coaches on an unforgettable district championship, and best of luck as they continue their postseason run!