Free State's Andrew Piper gets in for a bucket against Wichita Heights during the second half on Monday, March 8, 2021 at Free State High School.

Free State’s boys basketball team defeated Wichita Heights in overtime Monday night at FSHS during the opening round of the Class 6A state tournament. The Firebirds advanced to the Class 6A semifinals for the first time since 2018, when they finished as runner-ups.

Free State will face Haysville-Campus in the semifinals on Thursday at Wichita State University.

Photos by Nick Krug/Lawrence Journal-World

photo by: Nick Krug/Journal-World Photo

Free State head coach Sam Stroh huddles with his players during a timeout in overtime on Monday, March 8, 2021 at Free State High School.

Free State’s Mozae Downing gets control of a ball as a Wichita Heights player falls over him during overtime on Monday, March 8, 2021 at Free State High School.

Free State’s Mozae Downing gets above the pack for a late rebound against Wichita Heights’ with seconds remaining in overtime on Monday, March 8, 2021 at Free State High School.

Free State’s Cooper Jackson watches as Wichita Heights’ Aviel Palmer comes down with a rebound during overtime on Monday, March 8, 2021 at Free State High School.

Free State’s Cooper Jackson roars after a bucket against Wichita Heights during the second half on Monday, March 8, 2021 at Free State High School.

Free State’s Cooper Jackson gets in for a bucket against Wichita Heights’ during the second half on Monday, March 8, 2021 at Free State High School.

Free State’s Andrew Piper gets in for a bucket against Wichita Heights during the second half on Monday, March 8, 2021 at Free State High School.

Free State’s Cole Wheeler stuffs a shot from Wichita Heights’ Jayden Ruffin during the second half on Monday, March 8, 2021 at Free State High School.

photo by: Nick Krug/Joural World Photo

Free State’s Mozae Downing gets up to block the shot of a Wichita Heights player during the first half on Monday, March 8, 2021 at Free State High School.

photo by: Nick Krug/Joural World Photo

Free State’s Cooper Jackson goes up for a shot against Wichita Heights during the first half on Monday, March 8, 2021 at Free State High School.

photo by: Nick Krug/Journal-World Photo

Free State’s Dash Cleveland runs down a ball for a save against Wichita Heights during the first half on Monday, March 8, 2021 at Free State High School.

Free State’s Mozae Downing wrestles for position against Wichita Heights during the first half on Monday, March 8, 2021 at Free State High School.

photo by: Nick Krug/Joural World Photo

Free State’s Andrew Piper goes up for a rebound with a Wichita Heights’ player during the first half on Monday, March 8, 2021 at Free State High School.

photo by: Nick Krug/Joural World Photo

Free State’s Cooper Jackson wrestles for a ball with Wichita Heights’ Bronxon Frierson during the first half on Monday, March 8, 2021 at Free State High School.