It had to happen sooner or later. The state’s longest winning streak in Kansas high school girls’ basketball came to an end this past week as Central Plains fell to Phillipsburg in a close 49-44 game.

The action came Friday at the Amos Morris Classic at Russell.

The Oilers, defending state champions, placed third at the tournament. Their winning streak — the nation’s third longest — dates back to after Feb. 24, 2015, when the Lady Oilers lost to Ellinwood, 66-58. This past week’s loss to Phillipsburg was the first for the team’s seniors, who have 80 wins to their credit.

“Phillipsburg is a great team and played extremely well and deserved to win; Stiles told Catch-It-Kansas.com.”Playing good team like Phillipsburg gives us much to learn from. I’d rather play tough competition like that then someone we’ll beat by 30-40:

Oiler Brynna Hammeke contributed 12 points to the Central Plains effort and defensive standout Kassidy Nixon added 9 points.

The Lady Oilers managed two solid wins during the tournament — 79-31 against Plainville and 61-37 against Smith Center.

Central Plains boys

The Central Plains boys came in fourth.

They fell to Russell, 60-28; and to Ulysses, which ended its run in Saturday’s championship match against Ellsworth, 61-43.

To get back in the game, Central Plains tried to be more aggressive on defense. Instead, they ended up with players in foul trouble. By the end of the game, Michael Laymon, Cole Lamatsch, and Tyler Holmes all fouled out.

Peyton Ryan of Central Plains led all scorers with 17 points for night. Michael Laymon added 10 points.

The Oilers advanced to the semi-final round after a 58 to 57 overtime victory over Smith Center.