The Superior Central boys basketball team played admirably in their Division 4 district championship game with Powers North Central on Friday. The Cougars weren’t able to handle the physical style of play exhibited by the hosting Jets however, and the result was a 69-34 season ending loss.
“We were in trouble when the game was allowed to be played physically,” head coach Adam Ely said. “We aren’t equipped to play a game like that. Our guys played hard until I took them out and they have a lot of be proud of.”
The Jets took a 20-11 lead after the first quarter, though the Cougars did get CJ Adams to get a three pointer and a two in the first quarter. Jason Kanerva converted a three-point play in the second quarter, but S-C could only get a pair of free throws by Logan Frusti for their other offense, and they slipped further back at the half, 32-16.
In the third, Blake Tanner knocked down a bucket. Zander Bigger also split a pair of free throws, and the Jets held a commanding 54-19 lead entering the fourth.
Adams hit another three in the final frame to help him finish with 10 points. Frusti put in nine points, Tanner and Bigger scored four points apiece, Kanerva tallied three and chipping in with two points was Ryder Kroupa.
The Jets were led by Jacob Gorzinski and Jake Paquette who had 13 points apiece. Hunter Robinson also added 11 points.
On Wednesday, Feb. 28, S-C won their home district semi-final game over Rock Mid-Pen, 46-30.
“We thought we would see a lot of zone and game planned for that,” Ely said. “I thought we patiently executed tonight and our defense held up.”
In the opening quarter, S-C got four points from Rutter and a three by Kanerva. Adams and Frusti also hit buckets and the Cougars held a slim 13-12 lead after one. The second featured five points by Rutter and four more by Bigger, and S-C went into the break with a 24-17 advantage.
Rutter kept the offense going in the third, connecting on eight points in the frame, aiding in S-C taking a 36-24 lead entering the fourth.
The Cougars had Rutter finish his big night with 21 points. Frusti was able to contribute 10 points, Bigger scored six, Tanner added four, Kanerva was good for three and adding two points was Adams.
S-C finishes the season 16-8 overall. While the loss in the district final may sting, it doesn’t take the luster off what was by all accounts a resurgent season for the program.
“As far the season as a whole went, I believe the last time the boys had a winning record our seniors were in first grade,” Ely said. “The work they have put in to turn this around is something they can always hang their hat on. A 16 win season is both a celebration and a let down all at once. They are happy but wanted more and felt like they were capable of more. Now, it’s time for the younger kids to take this and run with it. We graduate five seniors and have a challenge in front of us to keep winning a consistent thing now.”
