SILVER LAKE — Imbler has not booked a motel room in Baker City for quarterfinal play of the OSAA Class 1A girls state basketball tournament since the 2017 basketball season. On Saturday, Feb. 24, the Panthers used overtime to accomplish the task and now Mike Mills, athletic director, has some calls to make and motels to book as Imbler returns to Final 8 action.

On the road and facing eighth-seeded North Lake/Paisley, ninth-seeded Imbler put up a 47-45 overtime win to advance to the quarterfinals of the 1A state tournament in Baker City beginning Feb. 29.

“We were down eight points to start the fourth,” said Imbler head coach Darci Sweet. “We created havoc defensively and chipped away at it. The girls showed a ton of composure and trust in one another. As the game was closing it went back and forth. … Paige Braseth hit a huge shot to tie the game with about 12 to 13 seconds left.”

The overtime period saw the Panthers jump out to a four-point lead immediately.

Rachael Stirewalt put in 16 points to go with seven rebounds to lead the Panthers. Jayda Cant added 14 points and eight rebounds for Imbler in the win.

North Lake/Paisley’s Emily Murphy led all scorers in the game with 25 points.

The road to a state title does not become easier for the Panthers. Imbler (20-7 overall) opens quarterfinal play against top-ranked Crane (27-0) on Feb. 29.