Mitchell is heading back to the state title game. The fourth seeded Kernels defeated top seeded Sioux Falls Lincoln 55-51 on Friday night in Rapid City during the semifinal round of the ‘AA’ boys state tournament.
The Patriots lost just one game all season. That loss was also to Mitchell, 69-58, on January 28th.
Mitchell led throughout the game, and while at times the margin widened, it tightened up in the closing moments. The Kernels had a nine-point lead in the fourth quarter, but the Patriots crept back into it to tie the game with less than a minute to play. Clutch free throws from Colton Smith and Gavin Hinker helped seal the win.
“They made a bunch of tough plays,” said Kernels head coach Ryker Kreutzfeldt. “And to be honest, two of our worst free throw shooters step up and knock down big free throws. We get big rebounds on that end, unbelievable.”
Mitchell was led offensively by Markus Talley, who finished with 22-points, four rebounds, and a couple of assists. He fouled out with around two-minutes to play in the game, which forced others to step up in the final moments.
“I’m just so proud of our kids,” exclaimed Kreutzfeldt. “That’s unbelievable with Markus [Talley] going out, the press hurting us, and switching. With that zone, our kids made plays. I’m so happy for them.”
Hinker scored 14-points and had six rebounds for the Kernels as well. Colton Smith also contributed with a double-double performance. He scored eleven points, snagged eleven rebounds, and added six assists in the winning effort.
Mitchell will advance to the championship game where they’ll play either Brandon Valley or Harrisburg. The title game is scheduled for 7:45 pm MT on Saturday night.
