DFJ file photo: Alivia Burns was one of just two seniors on the Webster City girls basketball roster this season.

GRIMES — The final score in Saturday’s Class 4A regional semifinal didn’t dampen the overall spirits of head coach Marty McKinney and his Webster City girls basketball team.

Second-ranked Dallas Center-Grimes advanced with a 66-24 victory over the Lynx, who bowed out with a 9-14 overall record. That may seem modest on the surface, but McKinney was quick to point out just how much ground Webster City covered in the process.

“I’m very proud of the girls and the progress our team made this year,” McKinney said. “They worked hard to accomplish things that haven’t been done here for a while.”

The Lynx reached nine victories for the first time since 2019-20, and won a postseason game — a regional quarterfinal over Boone at home — to end a seven-year tourney drought.

Even with four starters and a number of key reserves slated to return next season, McKinney didn’t want to focus too much on the future without acknowledging graduating seniors Alivia Burns and Ashlee Nydegger. Burns started all 22 contests, averaging 5.4 points. Nydegger appeared in every game as well and led Webster City in field goal percentage.

“They’ve been a big part of laying the foundation for future success,” McKinney said. “They are both selfless teammates who care more about the program’s success than their own indivdiual interests.”

Sophomore post player Evie Davis, who set a single-game record with 26 rebounds in the regional victory over the Toreadors, is slated to return after averaging 14.6 points and 12.1 boards. Davis also established a new WCHS mark for single-season rebounds this winter.

Juniors Lovie Pruismann and Tristyn Wright are also scheduled to be back in 2026-27, alongside current sophomore Jaylyn Bahrenfuss from the starting lineup.

The Mustangs (20-2) square off with Pella (13-9) on Wednesday in a Region 2 final back at DC-G. The winner earns one of eight 4A state tournament bids.