The Howard Tigers fell behind 8-0 to start the game but battled back all night and then made three straight stops in the final minutes and hit 8 of 10 free throws late to upset top seeded and #2 ranked White River 48-42 to advance to the State Class B Boys Basketball Championship game Saturday night in Aberdeen.
Four players scored in doubles for the Howard Tigers, 22-3 overall, led by Carson Hinker with 11 points, Kolt Koepsell finished with 10 10 points and 15 rebounds, Luke Koepsell had 10 points and Taiden Hoyer came up big with 10 points, six rebounds, and four assists. Hoyer was the Sun Gold Player of the Game.
Howard plays three-time in a row State Champion DeSmet for the title Saturday night with tip-off set for 8:00pm on KOOL 98.3 FM and online at kool98.com Saturday night.
Wessington Springs beat Viborg/Hurley 52-39 to advance to the Consolation Bracket Championship at 2:00pm Saturday afternoon on KOOL 98.3 and online at kool98.com. The Spartans improved to 23-2 overall and will play Gregory Saturday afternoon in Aberdeen.