Des Moines, Iowa — The Western Christian Wolfpack are heading to the 2A State Basketball Championship after defeating Des Moines Christian in the lower bracket 2A semifinal Thursday afternoon at the Wells Fargo Arena 56-47.
Western Christian and Des Moines Christian both were cold in the first quarter, with both teams shooting 31% or worse from the field. The Wolfpack had a slim 10-9 lead after the opening 8 minutes. The baskets started to fall for both teams in the second quarter and the teams battled back and forth. Western was able to get a four point lead heading into the half when Tyson Boer hit a three right before the half to give the Wolfpack at 28-24 lead.
Western would create some breathing room in the 3rd quarter, and take a 42-32 lead into the fourth quarter. The Wolfpack pushed their lead to 13 early, but Des Moines Christian would go on a 6-0 run to pull within 7 points. Western was able to hit key free throws down the stretch to take the 56-47 win
Western was led in scoring by Ty Van Essen with 15 points. Van Essen added 10 rebounds to his stat-line for the double-double and Brayden Van Meeteren added 11 points. Des Moines Christian got a team high 12 points from Elijah Hess.
With the win Western improves to 21-5 on the year, Des Moines Christian end the year at 22-3. Western will play Boyden-Hull Friday for the Class 2A Championship at 2:30 pm.
