The Raiders get the District Runner-up Trophy. More pictures at westbendnews.net
The Wayne Trace Raiders travelled back to Lima Senior High on Saturday, March 11 after defeating the Bluffton boys team previously. This is the time when the games get serious and that’s exactly what this game was. Wayne Trace met on the court against the Marion Local Fliers. This is the first meeting between the schools in the history of the programs.
The game started between Marion Local Fliers and The Raiders very hot and heavy for the home team—the Fliers seriously had a height advantage. Picking the tipoff, they scored 3 points right right off the bat. They had a player who was good at hitting the 3 point shots. It wasn’t long before the score was 8-2 with Ethan Linder getting the first basket. Within minutes there was a significant lead of 18-5 over the Raiders. How could the Raiders let it get this out of hand this quickly? Coach Jim Linder took his first timeout to talk to the team and when the game started backup again the momentum was shifting. All the players were contributing with Linder hitting numerous 3 point shots. Under the basket we had Jake Kuhn and Josh Kuhn both chipping in when the others could draw the defense out of the key. The second period Wayne Trace performed very well when they had a 10 point gain over the Fliers. Before the half buzzer, the Raiders were in foul trouble having 13 fouls. The half ended very close at 38-44 and Wayne Trace was in the lead.
Eli Sinn shoots, makes the basket and is fouled on the shot for the extra basket. More pictures at westbendnews.net
The Raiders came back from half time and the game was different. There was no more interceptions and the game pace was slowed down. They just seemed exhausted, but fouls kept accumulating for both teams. Marion Local kept the pressure on, and slowly and steadily climbed back up the point ladder with 3 point baskets by Nathan Bruns, Tyler Prenger and Matt Rethman.
The game came down to the last minute. Ethan Linder was fouled and sent to the line, but only took 1 freeby. Next, to try and gain the possession back, Brady Stabler was fouled and sent to the line, but with being tired and both sides screaming, he wasn’t able to hit either one. The difference was now two—Raiders still in the lead and 15 seconds left on the clock. Marion flies down to their side, passes the ball and distracts Wayne Trace and the 3 point basket it sent up by Nathan Bruns. The ball flies through the net and the home team is now up by one. The Raiders call timeout with 1.8 seconds on the clock. It just wasn’t enough time. The ball is passed into Ethan but it was a long shot from the far side of the court and it missed. Marion Local took the win by a one point victory at 66-65 sending them to the Regional Semi-Finals.
Score by the Quarter:
Marion Local – 23 15 13 15 = 66
Wayne Trace – 19 25 11 10 = 65
Scorers of the Game:
Marion Local – Nathan Bruns 19; Matt Kahlig 6; Tyler Prenger 15; Tyler Mescher 15; Matt Rethman 9.
Wayne Trace – Brady Stabler 7; Eli Sinn 9; Josh Kuhn 4; Ethan Linder 33; Josiah Linder 3; Jake Kuhn 9
Wayne Trace finished their season with a 22-3 record. Congratulations to this team and having such a great season!
More pictures at westbendnews.net
