The #9 (2A) Aplington-Parkersburg boys basketball team advanced to their fifth straight district final, with a 70-50 win over Waukon in a Class 2A District 5 semifinal on Thursday, as aired on 99 The Wave.
After a low scoring first quarter, the game was tied at 13 early on in the second quarter. Each team traded one point leads, till Waukon took a 18-17 lead. A-P cranked up their full court pressure which sparked a 10-0 scoring run, to give the Falcons their first double digit lead at 28-18, and entered the half up 33-20. The Falcons led 50-39 at the start of the fourth and soared from there with a 20-11 scoring run in the quarter to advance with a home finale win.
A-P Head Coach Aaron Thomas on applying pressure and teamwork offensively.
“We started a little tight, the first round of the tournament we’re expected to win, we think that first one’s a little bit tough, but I’m proud of the guys. We settled in, in the second quarter when we got up and started pressing. We were able to build a lead to 13 in the second quarter. We don’t have to do it without Benny playing, he’s rarely in foul trouble. He did a great job on the bench, cheering on our guys, and other guys stepped up. For us to score 70, Benny with seven, eight points, I was proud, he didn’t force it. Other guys stepped up, made shots, made plays, a 20-point win and we move on.”
Three Falcons finished in double figures including Caleb Campbell with 19 points, Tyler Wedeking with 16 points and Evan Palmer with 12 points.
A-P (20-2) will take on North Fayette Valley (22-0) in Class 2A District 5 final on Tuesday, February 25.
A-P Head Coach Aaron Thomas:
A-P Senior Caleb Campbell:
