Class 1A Semifinals: West Central 70, Aurora Christian 65 (2OT)
The most effective participant was… Small probability, who poured in 33 factors to spark the Cougars at numerous factors throughout a bodily sport. The senior was environment friendly from the sphere, connecting on half of his 18 makes an attempt from the 3-point arc and drawing 12 fouls en path to a 15-20 efficiency from the free throw line. Little's seven rebounds tied a teammate Carson Brown tied for second on the Cougars — behind solely Mason Berry's 10 boards — whereas including two assists and one steal. Little's efficiency was complimented by a clutch effort Zack Evanswho knocked down all six of his free throw makes an attempt between the second half and two overtimes and completed with 17 factors.
The important thing second was… West Central's sturdy displaying within the second additional time noticed them end the body on a 5-0 run because of layups from Mason Berrya pair of free throws by Evans and a free throw by Cameron Sievers. Honorable point out for Little's private 4-0 run that lower the Cougars' deficit to 20-18 within the closing 40 seconds of the primary half. The identical goes for a essential 3-pointer by Evans that introduced the Cougars inside two factors within the fourth quarter with 2:41 left, Evans adopted 18 seconds later with a visit to the road that tied the sport at 51. Evans wouldn't have Free throws both. that tied the sport at 57 with 17 seconds left within the fourth quarter go unnoticed.
By the numbers… The primary Class 1A sport determined by lower than eight factors for the reason that match moved again to the State Farm Middle in 2022 featured 48 free throws between the Cougars (23-34) and the Eagles (11-14), who mixed for 39 fouls in 40 minute thriller. Nonetheless, that doesn't imply the sport moved at a gradual tempo. Not one of the 4 sophomores in Aurora Christian's lineup performed higher than Marshawn Cocroft, who led all scorers with 36 factors and added six rebounds and three assists. Nonetheless, a stout press from the Cougars restricted the Eagles to 24-64 from the sphere and 6-32 from past the arc. In a sport that featured seven lead adjustments and 12 ties — with Aurora Christian main for practically 29 minutes — West Central held on to clinch its first championship sport berth since 1995. The Cougars will play Mounds Meridian at 11 a.m. Saturday .
What West Central stated… “I believed our diamond press sort of turned them round and sort of received us again into the sport. That's sort of been our 12 months this 12 months, late within the sport if we're down it offers us somewhat little bit of vitality and at that time within the sport it's sort of laborious to care for the ball. Our guys did an ideal job of flying in our press, getting deflections and steals and altering the dynamic of the sport somewhat bit.” – coach Ryan Sichting
What Aurora Christian stated… “I do know it's in all probability the hardest loss for any of us. I'm so, so happy with them. They've been resilient all 12 months. We've been overwhelmed deep 4 of our final 5 video games.” happening and I believe three of them have been overtimes Typically the ball simply doesn't go your method and also you simply don't shoot and I believe that was telling tonight however I'm extraordinarily happy with them. ” – coach And Beebe
