Heath Hambrick Special to the Times-Journal

The Plainview Bears defeated the defending 5A State Champion Fairfield Tigers (30-5) now in Class 4A 51-42, to earn a place in the state final – slated for Friday, Feb. 28. 

With the victory, Coach Cade Willingham and the Bears will play for their fifth State Championship since 2018 against the Jackson Aggies. 

From the opening tip, it was a close, back-and-forth game. Plainview led at all quarter breaks 13-9, 26-20, 38-34, and 51-42. 

The Bears, a team known for its three-point shooting, were only able to muster up three made baskets from behind the arc for the game. Plainview was able to force timely Fairfield turnovers and get key rebounds to win the Class-4A Semi-final game. 

The defense for Plainview didn’t make anything easy for the Tigers of Fairfield in the first half of play. To start the second half Fairfield returned the favor and make sure the Bears earn every shot. 

In the final quarter of the contest, Plainview’s last field goal came with 7:28 left in the game. From that point on the rest of the scoring for the Bears came from the free throw line. Plainview finished on a 6-0 run from the charity stripe and 16-18 for the game. 

“Our guys accepted the challenge in the second half to go finish the game. Doing the little things that are so important in these games when it’s physical and there’s a lot of emotion. I’m so proud of these guys and their effort” said Willingham.

Sawyer Wilborn led Plainview with 15 points and Grant Nickleson added 14.  Plainview improves to 8-0 all-time in state semi-final games.