Story by KGFW Sports Reporter Alex Hammeke
ELM CREEK – The Buffalo Stampede heads to Lincoln again.
Trailing after the first quarter, Elm Creek pulled through for a 50-36 victory over the McCool Junction Mustangs in the D1-4 District Final in Elm Creek.
In what started as a slow start for both teams, Elm Creek found themselves scoreless through the first two minutes, with McCool jumping out to a quick 5-0 lead. The Buffaloes domination of the glass pushed them ahead in the second quarter to lead at intermission 21-18.
Getting the ball to start the second half, Elm Creek started with a turnover but did not let that get in their way of outscoring against the Mustangs 16-8.
McCool Junction would cut the deficit down to a two possession early in the fourth quarter, but Elm Creek would prevail to pick up the 50-36 win.
Carter Erickson led all scorers for Elm Creek with 17 points and 5 rebounds, while McCool Junction’s Mapieu Kouchinin had 15 points and 8 rebounds. Elm Creek won the rebound battle 27-17.
Elm Creek moves onto the D1 State Tournament in Lincoln next week. McCool Junction, which hasn’t been to state since 1987, has their season conclude at 18-7.
Elm Creek BBB v. McCool Junction // KGFW Sports
ELM CREEK 7 14 16 13 50
McCool Junction 10 8 8 10 36
Elm Creek: Knapp 9pts 1reb, Sindt 2pts 2reb, Quintana 1reb, Erickson 17pts 5reb, Hubbard 2pts 7reb, Brumels 8pts 6reb, Watkins 14pts 3reb, Oberg 2pts, Kenning 2reb
McCool Junction: Orlando 1reb, Harig 1pt 3reb, Neville 6pts 2reb, Garretson 2reb, McDonald 14pts 1reb, Kouchinin 15pts 8reb
