WEST POINT - A relentless defense and big buckets from Livia Hunke sent Guardian Angels Central Catholic to State for the 24th time in the last 25 years. The Lady Jays stormed to a 14-point halftime lead and held serve from there in a 44-30 win over Norfolk Catholic Friday night in the C2-2 District final.

GACC grabbed their first steal 5 seconds into the game, cashing that in on a transition bucket and a lead they never relinquished. A 7-0 run in the 1st quarter and a 12-0 run in the 2nd were predicated off a stifling pressure defense that never let up from tipoff to final buzzer and forced 24 Norfolk Catholic turnovers.

The Jays' Livia Hunke paced the offense with 13 points, including three treys, while Sophia Hass grabbed a game-high 9 rebounds. Avery Yosten led the way for the Lady Knights with 16 points and 8 boards, with Kalea Fischer chipping in 10 points.

Norfolk Catholic finishes the season at 12-12, as Guardian Angels Central Catholic (23-1) advances to the C2 state tournament March 8 in Lincoln.