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Centralia Today
By the People, for the People
Centralia Orphan Annies Fall Short in Regional Title Game
Marion Wildcats rally from early deficit to defeat Centralia 59-47
Published on Feb. 28, 2026
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The Centralia Orphan Annies jumped out to an early 10-0 lead in the regional championship game, but the state's 7th-ranked Marion Wildcats stormed back with a 12-0 run to take the lead by halftime. Marion pulled away in the second half, winning the game 59-47 and advancing to sectional competition.
Why it matters
The regional championship game was a high-stakes matchup between two strong prep basketball programs, with the winner earning a spot in the sectional tournament. Centralia's early lead and eventual defeat highlights the competitive nature of the regional playoffs and the challenges smaller schools like Centralia can face against larger, highly-ranked programs.
The details
Centralia led 10-0 early, but Marion responded with a 12-0 run to take the lead by halftime. The game was still within reach for Centralia, trailing by just one point at the start of the third quarter, before Marion pulled away with a 20-13 run. Centralia made a late push to get within 6 points in the 4th quarter, but could not complete the comeback.
- The regional championship game was played on Thursday night.
- Centralia finishes the season at 13-18, while Marion improves to 13-4.
The players
Addi Dukes
A sophomore player for the Centralia Orphan Annies who scored 16 points in the game.
Kaylee Bowdler
A player for the Centralia Orphan Annies who scored 13 points in the game.
Marion Wildcats
The state's 7th-ranked high school basketball team that defeated Centralia in the regional championship game.
The takeaway
The regional championship game highlighted the challenges smaller high school basketball programs like Centralia can face against larger, more highly-ranked opponents. While Centralia jumped out to an early lead, Marion's ability to rally and pull away in the second half proved to be the difference in the game.
