Thursday’s Class 4A state quarterfinal game in Salina wasn’t the prettiest contest Tonganoxie has played in, but it counts in the win column.

And once Tonganoxie got past its early jitters, it was all Chieftains.

Playing against Royal Valley in the first round, THS had just a 12-5 lead after the first quarter and a 23-12 halftime lead. In the first half, Tonganoxie shot just 42.9 percent from the field (9-for-21) — but Royal Valley was shooting a frigid 18 percent (4-for-22).

At the half, Tonganoxie had a 23-12 lead. Royal Valley would get no closer. An 8-0 run to start the fourth quarter was the Chieftains’ biggest run as THS eventually secured the win with a 55-29 victory.

Royal Valley tied the game once, at five, and never led.

As for the Chieftains, THS improved to 22-2 and registered the school’s first state victory in girls basketball history. THS had been to the state tournament three times before, but exited each tournament in the quarterfinals.

Ali Pistora, who scored seven for THS, said the win was an amazing feat.

“It’s so exciting,” Pistora said. “I’ve never dreamed of being here, but now that we are here, it’s a lifetime experience.”

Addie Heim led the team in scoring with 15, while Heather Deaver, who struggled against Sumner last week in the substate finals, was a major key for the Chieftains and set the tone early. Deaver scored seven of Tonganoxie’s 12 first-quarter points and finished with 13.

Deaver said playing in the large arena took some getting used to, but everything eventually settled down.

“The first time we came out on the floor, I was a little scared,” Deaver said. “The walls weren’t right by the court.”

Tonganoxie now will face Buhler. The No. 7 seed upset No. 2 Iola on Thursday. Buhler defeated Iola by more than 20. Iola ended its season at 21-3, while Buhler improved to 15-9.

Tonganoxie now is 22-2 on the season.

THS and Buhler will play at 6:30 p.m. Friday at Salina’s Bicentennial Center.

For more updates from Salina, check our Web site Friday.