The #6 (2A) Aplington-Parkersburg boys basketball team behind three double figure scoring performances took down their rival Dike-New Hartford 79-55 in a Class 2A District 7 semifinal on Thursday, as aired on 99 The Wave.
Benny Waller led the Falcons with 18 points, Trevan Thomas had a career high 16 points and Tyler Wedeking added 14 points.
The Falcons aided by up tempo transition play and six threes in the first half, built up a 40-22 lead by halftime. The closest the Wolverines were able to rally back was within 12 points at a 42-30 deficit in the third quarter. The Falcons maintained a double digit advantage with defensive intensity and by attacking the rim on offense. The Falcons led by as many as 24 points in the second half to close it out. A-P Head Coach Aaron Thomas says playing with patience and confidence factored into the Falcons performance.
“It’s always good to get that first one, especially when we’re playing one of our rivals with DNH. I thought they really improved as the year’s went and they were playing their best basketball. They’re very dominant against MFL in their first round game. We knew we were going to have to be locked in,” says Thomas. “I thought we’d probably see a triangle in two. I thought our guys did a very good job of staying patient with Tyler and Benny. They didn’t force anything, to get 18 and 14 points respectively on only nine and seven shots. They got to the line and they knocked them down when they were open. Our other guys played with, I thought, a lot of confidence as well.”
Corbin McCarter led the Wolverines with 16 points and Dawson Dietrick added 12 before fouling out in the third quarter. DNH Head Coach Alex Tagtow’s reflection on a third meeting with A-P.
“Having to travel to Parkersburg and play those guys again is a tough place to play. They played really well. They made some big shots,” says Tagtow. “Never a good way to end it, but a really good team, playing really well right now. It’s was a little bit too much for us to handle last night.”
Dike-New Hartford concluded their season at 10-13. Aplington-Parkersburg advanced to a district final against Crestwood.
