The GACC Boys kept their season alive Thursday night by upsetting Walthill 59-55 in the D1-4 Sub-District Final at Wisner-Pilger.
The Blujays led 18-10 after one before the Bluejays outscored Walthill 20-14 in the second quarter to make it a 32-30 game at halftime in favor of the Blujays.
GACC won the third quarter 13-9 to pull in front 43-41 at the end of three.
The Bluejays notched 16 points in the fourth quarter compared to 14 for Walthill.
GACC was led by Mitch Haas with 26 points. Kobe Slaughter added 9 while Andrew Guenther and Nolan Plagge totaled 8 and 7, respectively. Landon Stalp added 7 rebounds.
Head Coach Brad Slaughter knew his team could come out on top. "I knew it was going to be a battle, and watching their film and things like that. But I do believe that Mid-State grind of that tough games competition day in and day out has actually helped us. And if we can survive those runs and make good decisions and knock down our free throws, these kids can play. So I'm just glad that they stepped up to the challenge."
Slaughter likes the way his team is playing at the moment. "They're playing hard, and I couldn't be prouder of the group of boys. They don't want to stop practicing, they want to keep playing."
Slaughter's boys made 26 of 35 free throws. "We have been coming on. I told you last time our free throws have been getting better. And we are getting more consistent at the line. And the kids are having the confidence to step up and knock them down. So it's a credit to focus and being able to step up in those pressure situations."
Slaughter says the win was also due in large part to Haas. "Mitch had a nice game. He did a good job of knocking down his free throws and he converted on a lot of his short jumpers. And that was just a big boost in that fourth quarter when you get up to that line and knock down those free throw shots. I mean those are gimme's that you got to take advantage of. And him and a couple others knocked down some big free throws that really helped keep the pressure on Walthill."
The Tigers squeaked by Omaha Christian Academy 41-40 in the D1-3 Sub-District Final at Wahoo Thursday night.
Slaughter says the Tigers are a solid ball club. "They play several different defenses. The athletes that they send on the floor they do a nice job. And they work hard too. I mean I'm sure they're chomping at the bit to get after this."
East Butler isn't that bad of a team as they've beaten a few good teams and lost to some other quality squads.
I think the Bluejays will definitely have their work cut out for them in this one.
With that said, I feel GACC has played the tougher schedule and is battle tested.
The win over Walthill was a great win for this squad, but the journey isn't complete yet.
I know the Bluejays have aspirations of winning the State Tournament, but GACC has to get there first.
The Bluejays should be over the joy and elation of the Walthill win by now. It's time to refocus and get ready for the task at hand.
GACC has to come ready to play with a business like attitude.
The Bluejays can't take the Tigers lightly or for granted, GACC has to be ready to play a complete four quarter game.
Haas, Slaughter, Guenther, Plagge, and Stalp all need to have good games for the Bluejays.
GACC has to be confident shooting the ball from the field and at the free throw line.
The Bluejays have to bring their A game and be ready to go toe to toe with East Butler.
GACC has to have a good game offensively, and can't afford to go through the shooting woes that they have at times this season.
The Bluejays have to put things all together once again to punch their ticket to Lincoln.
Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m., and the game can be heard on 107.9 the Bull.
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