NORTH PLATTE, Neb. – Anselmo-Merna held on for a hard-fought 45-42 victory over Leyton on Friday, clinching a spot in the state tournament for the first time since 2022.

Junior Rhianen Myers led the Lady Coyotes with a game-high 13 points, followed closely by senior Makenna Miller, who finished with 12.

Senior Kayley Klein contributed eight points.

Anselmo-Merna knocked down five three-pointers and went 3-for-5 from the free-throw line.

Leyton was led by senior Sydney Fortune, who recorded 12 points and hit two three-pointers.

Senior Shawnee Gamble added 11 points, connecting on three shots from beyond the arc, while senior Ella Haley contributed 10 points.

Senior Zaili Benish rounded out the scoring with nine points.

With the loss, Leyton finishes the season with a record of 21-3, while Anselmo-Merna advances to the state tournament for the first time since 2022.