The SEM boys basketball team advanced to the state tournament Monday night with a thrilling 46-43 win over Creighton at Burwell high school to claim the D2-5 district championship. It was a tight game throughout with the largest lead for either team being just nine points. SEM led 44-43 with 15 seconds left but Creighton had the ball with a chance to take the lead. The Bulldogs missed a three point attempt which ended up in the hands of Kellen Eggleston who was fouled with 1.7 seconds remaining. Eggleston made two free throws to put the Mustangs up by three. Taylor Nilson’s three point heave for Creighton at the buzzer fell just short as SEM held on for the win to advance to state and collect its 20th win of the season. Kellen Eggleston had a monster game for SEM finishing with a game high 25 points. Jace Rosentreader came off the bench to score 8 points including a three as the buzzer sounded to end the third quarter which put SEM up by five entering the fourth. SEM advances to the boys state basketball tournament in Lincoln where they will play their opening game on Thursday March 9th. All SEM games from the state tournament will be broadcast on KBBN 95.3 FM and on the web at kbbn.com.
Photos by Dean Ringlein
