The #2 seed Rock Valley Rockets (20-5) Will square off against #6 seed Monticello (22-3) in the lower bracket semi in Class 2A just after high noon Thursday. The winner moves on to the 2A Championship game Friday afternoon.
The Rockets advanced to the semifinal round with 75-61 win Tuesday getting 50 combined points from Bryson Van Grootheest and Sam Remmerde.
The game was tight early being tied at 6 each at with 5:24 left in the first quarter, then Rock Valley jumped in front 18-13 at the end of the quarter. The Rockets then took over with a double digit lead in the second quarter and took a 38-25 lead into the break. Rock Valley would jump out to a 16 point lead midway through the 3rd quarter before Jesup ended the quarter on a 9-0 run to pull within 52-45. The Rockets took control in the fourth, extending their lead to as much as 20 late in the game and came away with the 75-61 win.
Rock Valley got a game high 28 from Bryson Van Grootheest, Sam Remmerde added 22, and Landyn Van Kekerix put in 13 points.
Jesup had three players in double figures. They got a team high 18 from Caron Lienau. With the win, Rock Valley improves to 20-5.
Monticello brings a 22-3 record into the semis following a 46-43 upset of #3 seed Mid Prairie Wellman. The Panthers were down 11-7 at the end of the first quarter. The offense came alive as they outscored Mid Prairie 20-7 in the second quarter to lead 27-18 at the half. Mid Prairie tossed a shutout in the third quarter and they moved in front 32-27 at the end of the third quarter. Monticello regained their shooting touch in the final 8 minutes with a 19-10 scoring advantage and claimed the win 46-43.
Tate Peterson led Monticello with 19 points. He was joined in double figures by Preston Ries with 11 points. Four of the five starters played all 32 minutes with the fifth starter playing 25 as Monticello used 6 players in the contest. In a tight game the biggest difference was a 20-12 scoring advantage to Monticello on points off turnovers.
Tip off is set for 12:15 for #2 seed Rock Valley and #6 Monticello. The winner is on to the 2A Championship at 3:00 pm Friday
