Des Moines, Iowa — Western Christian cruised in their state tournament basketball opener against Camanche 71-55 at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines Tuesday afternoon.
Western Christian started off hot, with Wyatt Gulker going off for 9 opening quarter points. Heading into the 2nd quarter, the Wolfpack had an 18-13 lead. Western’s hot shooting continued in the second quarter as the Wolfpack started to pull away, leading by sixteen at the intermission 44-28. Gulker had 17 first half points and Ty Van Essen added another 13 points. As a team Western shot 64% from the field, Camanche shot 46% in the half.
Western continued to roll in the third quarter, leading 59-39 after three. Camanche then started to inch closer late in the contest, but Western was able to put the game away from the free throw line and get the 71-55 win.
Western was led in scoring by Gulker with 26 points, Ty Van Essen put in 18, and Brayden Van Meeteren added 12 points.
Camanche got a team high 17 points from Jordan Lawrence.
With the win, Western Christian improves to 20-5 on the year, and will play Des Moines Christian on Thursday at 12 pm. Camanche ends their season at 18-7.
