The SEM Mustangs advanced to the Class D2 state semifinals for the 2nd consecutive year at the NSAA boys state basketball championships. SEM knocked off the #3 seed Walthill Wednesday night at the Devaney Center in Lincoln 70-49. SEM trailed early 10-2 but cut the deficit to 15-14 at the end of the first quarter. SEM came out strong in the 2nd quarter and outscored Walthill 22-13 in the quarter to take a 36-28 lead at half. SEM never trailed in the 2nd half leading 53-44 at the end of the third quarter and then pulled away in the fourth where they outscored Walthill 17-5 to close out the game and secure the win. The 70 points scored were the most for SEM in a game this season. The Mustangs were also strong defensively holding Walthill to 17 points below their season average. SEM was led by Jace Rosentreader who finished with a game high 25 points. Chance Daake also finished in double figures for the Mustangs with 19 including four 3’s and Cohen Rohde scored in double figures with 11. SEM advances to the D2 state semifinals where they will face Maywood Hayes Center who held off Elm Creek Wednesday night 58-50. The game will take place Friday night at the Devaney Center in Lincoln tipping off at 7:45 p.m. The game will be broadcast on KBBN 95.3 FM and kbbn.com. The winner will advance to the state championship game Saturday night. On the other side of the D2 bracket, Shelton held off Humphrey St. Francis 65-59 to advance. Shelton will face Wynot in Friday’s semifinal round. Wynot defeated St. Mary’s of O’Neill 53-21.
Other scores from the state tournament on Wednesday included:
Class A
Bellevue West 41, Creighton Prep 35
Omaha Central 72, Omaha North 62
Millard North 61, Gretna 54
Omaha Westside 60, Lincoln Southeast 51
Class C2
Amherst 55, Bridgeport 47
Cross County 44, Summerland 30
Norfolk Catholic 62, Ponca 23
Lincoln Lutheran 67, Cedar Catholic 50
