SIOUX FALLS, SD (MITCHELLNOW)
The Mitchell Kernels boys’ varsity basketball team was bound and determined from the opening tip to take an early lead from the start in the Class AA Semifinal game against a Washington Warriors boys’ basketball team wanting to revenge a late season loss 60 to 55 to the rival Mitchell Kernels. The Kernel boys leaned on the big three again in the first half, like they have all season long as Marcus Talley had 9 points, Colton Smith had 4 points and Gavin Soukup finished with 11 points in the first half.
The kernel boys held a slight rebounding advantage in the first half 19 to 13 and shot 51% from the field. The kernel boys would end up leading the first half with a big 37 to 17 halftime lead in a one sided first half. The Mitchell Kernels boys’ basketball team finished the third quarter holding onto the lead with a 57 to 36 lead headed into the fourth quarter. The Washington Warriors made a late charge in the fourth quarter but came up short losing the game 72 to 51 in a low scoring fourth quarter thanks to great kernels defense.
The big three led the way again down the stretch as Marcus Talley finished with 21 points, Colton Smith had 9 points and Gavin Soukup finished with 22 points. The kernels out rebounded the warriors 36 to 22 for the game and finished shooting 52% from field and going 7 of 9 from the free throw line. The Mitchell Kernels boys’ varsity basketball team will now face Brandon Valley who Beat Harrisburg by the final of 61 to 52 in their Class AA State boy’s Semifinal basketball game. The kernels boys will be looking for their first-Class AA State Championship Title since 2005.