(VAN BUREN, Mo.) – Van Buren High School will play host to a Class 1 girls quarterfinal match-up between the #4 South Iron Panthers and the #2 Walnut Grove Tigers Saturday afternoon. Fresh off a 57-48 sectional victory over Scott County Central, the 23-4 Panthers are trying to make their second trip to the Class 1 final four in the last three seasons. Panthers coach Lawrence Graves said he is excited for the chance to play one of the state’s powerhouse teams.

Walnut Grove has earned its high-standing by winning nine straight district championships and capturing three consecutive state titles between 2012 and 2014. This year’s team has a 25-5 record after defeating Eminence in the sectional round 74-57. Tigers coach Rory Henry said his group will have to make up for South Iron’s size advantage.

South Iron and Walnut Grove will tip off at 2:45 p.m. Saturday afternoon in the Class 1 girls quarterfinals. The Flieg’s Equipment Pregame Show will begin at 2:30 p.m. on J-98.

Newsletter