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Central York heads to first state championship game after toppling Reading, 79-65

For the second and final time, the Panthers beat the defending state champs on the high school hardwood.

LITITZ, Pa. — As the final seconds ticked off the clock at Warwick High School on Tuesday night, history was made. Central York's boys basketball team will play for a state championship for the first time, ever.

"It's crazy and it's overwhelming," described head coach Jeff Hoke. "The love I have for these guys and what they've accomplished is amazing. It's about them."

For the second time this season, the Panthers knocked off the defending state champs, Reading, 79-65. Central York beat the Red Knights, 90-73, in their season opener. But it took a loss to one of their rivals Red Lion in the district tournament to put Central back on the right path with six straight victories.

"All year, it's been ups and downs, but every single time, we've battled and bounced back even stronger," claimed senior Greg Guidinger, who finished with 22 points.

Ben Rill led Central York in scoring with 28 points.

Now 28-3 on the season, the Panthers did not get the trip to Hershey that they expected in Districts. Better yet, they're going to play in the state championship game against Parkland on Saturday at 8 p.m. in the Giant Center.

"You best believe we're not done yet," said junior Saxton Sahunic. "We've earned another 32 minutes, the final 32 and we're coming for it all. We're not satisfied with just getting there, we want it all."

The Panthers hope to join Delone Catholic and York Catholic as the only YAIAA schools to boast a PIAA state championship basketball winner.

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