Boys’ basketball completes outstanding season
Eagles go 62-17 over the past 3 seasons
WE ARE PROUD OF YOU The Eagles Nest cheered the basketball team on at every game, and even after the buzzer.
Following back-to-back state championships and another outstanding season, going 19-5, the Wahlert basketball team went into this year’s state tournament feeling confident.
Their attempt at a third straight championship began against MOC-Floyd Valley in which opposing players Levi Jansen and Christian Korver combined for 63 points. However, Wahlert captured an 18-point lead in the second half and held on for a 79-74 victory.
Next, Wahlert paired up against Chariton in the semifinals. The first half was somewhat of a nail-biter as Wahlert narrowly led going into the half, 30-26.
Cordell Pemsl, ‘16, briefly exited the game in the third quarter due to an injury, which sparked the team to go on a 8-1 run to extend their lead.
Once the fourth quarter arrived, with the return of Pemsl to the court, Wahlert began to pull away for good, shooting 22-7 in the final quarter. When the final buzzer sounded, Wahlert had won the game 68-46 behind a team leading-20 points and 15 rebounds by Pemsl, 16 points by David Wedewer, ‘16, and another 12 from Josh Schmitt, ‘16
The win advanced Wahlert to the championship game against Cedar Rapids Xavier, a team which the Eagles had beaten just a month earlier, 68-56.
The game was close throughout but Wahlert led early in the fourth quarter, 47-43. Xavier then heated up at the right time, scoring 9 consecutive points.
Once they had taken the lead, Xavier never looked back, taking advantage of every opportunity and winning the game 62-57.
“I was very pleased that we were able to put ourselves in a position to repeat as champions,” said Coach Tom English. “Though we came up a bit short, we at least gave ourselves a chance to make it happen.”
Despite the result, Wahlert played exceptionally well, shooting over 50 percent, scoring more field goals and having more assists than Xavier, and playing very good defense. “It shows how difficult it is to win on that stage against that high quality of competition,” added English. “It isn’t easy to win a championship.”
Wahlert finished the year with 21-6 record to bring the 3 year championship run record to 62-17. “The reason why we have been so successful is because of the talented, dedicated, and hard-working kids that have been willing to be coached and work together,” said English while looking back on the season. “I am very proud of how the players handled the stress and pressure.”
