Bedford 45, LeMars Gehlen Catholic 36

In its third state tournament appearance, Bedford has a chance to win its first championship.

The third-ranked Bulldogs got outstanding balance on offense, played solid defense and beat No. 9 Le Mars Gehlen Catholic 45-36 to reach the Class 1A title game.

Bedford held Gehlen Catholic to one field goal during a 14-minute stretch while building a nine-point lead, then held off the Jays’ comeback attempts down the stretch.

Savanna Thornton led Bedford with 11 points, while Caila Raymond scored 10 and grabbed 12 rebounds. Kayla Lindenmeyer added nine points for the Bulldogs, Peyton Russell scored eight and Kendyl Gruttemeyer scored seven to go with 10 rebounds.

North Mahaska 46, West Sioux 38

North Mahaska will get a chance to write a perfect ending to its dream season.

Junior Mallory Boyle led a game-changing run in the third quarter and the top-ranked Warhawks advanced to the Class 1A state championship game with a 46-38 victory over No. 5 West Sioux.

North Mahaska recovered from a frigid start to remain unbeaten through 27 games and will play third-ranked Bedford for the title at 6 p.m. Friday. West Sioux finished 25-2 after playing in the state tournament for the first time.

Boyle led the winners with a strong stat line, putting up 12 points, six rebounds, four steals, three assists and two blocks. Kate Ray added 11 points and eight rebounds for the Warhawks and Hannah Ferguson scored eight.