Shelton Survives St. Francis, Advances to Semifinals

LINCOLN – The top seed in Class D2 had to fend off a pesky fight by Humphrey St. Francis, closing out in a 65-59 victory to move on to the semifinal round.

The Bulldogs had been the top-team nearly all season long in Class D2, and powered their way through a tough sub-district to earn the No. 1 seed heading into the state tournament. Their fortunes turned quickly however, as Humphrey St. Francis put up an early fight and never backed down throughout the contest.

The first quarter was a high-scoring effort, with Shelton leading 21-19 by the end of the first due in part to Riley Bombeck’s nine points. The Bulldogs would extend their lead to double-digits by halftime, as Luke Gilming knocked down a three pointer to close out the second quarter. Shelton led 37-27 entering halftime at Pinnacle Bank Arena.

The turnover bug bit Shelton multiple times in the third quarter, leading to the Flyers zooming back into the contest by the mid-third quarter. A 10-4 run by Humphrey St. Francis made the contest a four point game nearing the end of the third before St. Francis tied the contest heading into the fourth quarter at 43.

As the fourth quarter continued on, Shelton would nab a two-possession lead with five-and-a-half minutes to play as Bombeck would score the first five points for the Bulldogs. The Flyers continued to rally back, tying the game at 54 with two minutes to go.

Shelton took a 60-57 lead with thirty seconds left in the contest, and hit late free throws to extend their lead and fend off late surges by Humphrey St. Francis to earn the 65-59 victory.

Shelton’s Bombeck would finish with a game-high 30 points.

The Bulldogs await the winner of the No. 4 Wynot/No. 5 St. Mary’s contest. Friday’s semifinal contest will tip-off at 6 PM from the Bob Devaney Sports Center.