Photo by Jeff Baughan Ripley’s Taylor Wilson, left, tries to grab a rebound away from North Marion’s Kaitlyn Antolock during the first half of their Class AAA state tournament game. The Vikings lost, 65-43.

CHARLESTON — Ripley struck a nerve only to have North Marion prove why it’s the top-ranked team in Class AAA. In a quarterfinal game at Wednesday’s West Virginia girls state basketball tournament, Ripley gave North Marion its best shot for two-plus quarters only to lose 65-43 at the Charleston Civic Center. “I couldn’t be more proud of this team,” Ripley coach Steve Hunt said. “I think a lot of people thought we would get blown out, but that was not the case for nearly three quarters.” Ripley and its four senior starters end the season at 17-9, while North Marion (22-1) advances to Friday’s semifinal contest against the winner of this morning’s battle between Huntington and Martinsburg. Samantha Hatcher led the Vikings with 17 points on five 3-pointers, while 1,000-point scorers Taylor Wilson and Alannah Sheets tossed in 13 and 12 points, respectively.