Sibley, Iowa — Western Christian is heading back to the boys state basketball tournament after defeating Spirit Lake 61-53 Saturday night.
Wolfpack head coach Derek Keizer talked about when he knew the game was won with 4.6 seconds left in the game.
Western Christian was down to start the game 7-4, but then closed out the first quarter on a 15-0 run to lead 19-7 after one quarter of play. Eli Van Essen put in 8 first quarter points to pace Western. Coach Keizer talks about Eli’s 15 point night performance.
Western extended their lead at half 34-19. Joining Van Essen in double figure scoring in the first half was Wyatt Gulker. Keizer talked about Gulker’s 17 point night, with 12 of those points coming from the free throw line.
Spirit Lake started the second half off scoring the first 4 points of the 3rd quarter, but after a timeout by Western, the Wolfpack took control leading 43-27 after 3, and hold on to win 61-53.
Ty Van Essen took control of the team in the second half, scoring fifteen on the night, ten of those in the second half.
With the win Western improves to 19-5 on the year and a Class 2A State tournament berth. Coach Keizer talks about what this win means.
Spirit Lake ends their season at 17-7. They had a team high 13 points from Creighton Morisch, and Brent Scott added another 11 points.
