Cove was happy to advance to the Class 1A girls state basketball tournament, but the Leopards couldnt have been pleased to draw Condon as their first-round opponent.

Condon, which has won four straight state titles, showed why Wednesday, outscoring Cove in every quarter en route to a 63-41 win.

The victory was more methodical than dominating.

Condon led 16-9 after the first quarter, but Cove stayed within reasonably rally range despite struggling with its shooting from the field.

Cove made just 8 of 28 shots in the first half, or just under 29 percent.

Condon, meanwhile, made 12 of 27 for 44 percent, but its lead was just 45-32 entering the final quarter.

But the Blue Devils know how to close out a game, and they outscored Cove 18-9 thereafter.

Condon finished the game shooting just under 48 percent from the field, compared with Coves 31 percent.

The Blue Devils also benefited from a big advantage at the free throw line.

Condon made 16 of 24 foul shots, compared with Coves 1 of 7.

Jennifer Snyder led Condon with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Nicole Jamieson added 16 points, and KLynn Kennedy handed out eight assists.

Kelcie Robinson led Cove with 12 points and 10 rebounds.

Condon will resume its quest for a record fifth straight championship Friday at 1:30, when the Blue Devils play undefeated St. Paul.

Cove played Butte Falls in a consolation semifinal this morning.

Cove (41) Warnock 2 2-3 6, Scheele 0 3-6 3, Hemmer 1 0-0 2, Robinson 6 0-2 12, Hansen 3 0-0 6, Puckett 0 0-0 0, Jessie Johnson 1 0-0 2, Whittall 0 3-5 3, Pereira 0 0-0 0, Mann 1 1-3 4, Jennifer Johnson 1 1-2 3, Cain 0 0-2 0.Totals 15 1-7 41.

Condon (63) Nicholson 1 0-0 2, Jamieson 5 5-7 16, Kennedy 2 2-2 6, Jennifer Snyder 7 3-3 17, Wilkins 1 2-6 4, M. Anderson 0 0-0 0, Winters 2 0-1 4, B. Anderson 1 1-2 3, A. Anderson 1 0-0 2, Jessica Snyder 3 1-1 7, Farrar 0 2-2 2. Totals 23 16-24 63.

Cove 9 10 13 9 41

Condon 16 14 15 18 63

Three-point goals Mann, Jamieson. Fouled out Hansen. Total fouls Cove 21, Condon 16. Technicals none.