Unfortunately, the late season magic stirred up by the Meridian Trojans didn’t carry over to Yakima, as the Seton Catholic Cougars eliminated the Trojans, 72-60, in the 1A boys State Tournament, Wednesday, in the Yakima SunDome.
Though they outscored the Cougars by seven points in the second half, it was the first half that led to the Trojans’ demise.
The Cougars could do no wrong in the first 16 minutes, as they used marksmanship shooting from the outside, combined with ten Trojan turnovers to build a 19-point lead at the half.
While the Trojans zone defense was keeping a close eye on the Cougars 6-4 freshman forward Kaiden Wilson, junior guard Brady Angelo nailed 5-6 3-point shots on his way to 21 first half points, and a 43-24 Cougar lead.
The Trojans employed a box-and-one defense on Angelo to start the second half, which limited him to zero 3-point attempts and four points. In fact, the Cougars made only five field goals in the second half on 18 shots.
However, the Cougars shot 27 free throws in the second half, making 19, keeping a healthy lead.
Trojans junior guard Jaeger Fyfe fouled out with 5:27 left in the game. A few minutes later, the Trojans began to trim the deficit. Junior guard Talon Jenkins hit a 3-point shot at the 3-minute mark to cut the Cougars lead to 62-49.
After two missed free throws by Wilson, Jenkins had an open look from the right corner, but could not connect.
Jenkins did hit another one with 1:55 left to pull the Trojans to within 11, but that was as close as they would get.
The Trojans, who finish with a record of 14-12, were led by Jenkins’ 25 points, 14 in the fourth quarter. Fyfe’s 11 was followed by nine from senior guard Jacob Amundson, and seven for senior guard, Taran Burks.
Angelo led the Cougars with 25. Wilson added 15 points and 14 rebounds. Sophomore guard Rico George finished with 11 points.
The Cougars, now 18-6, take on the #1 seed, Zillah, Thursday at 1030am, in the state quarterfinals.
~ Ted House
Comments