The Gehlen Catholic boys basketball team solidified their spot in the district semifinal round with a 56-37 win over Akron-Westfield on Monday night in Le Mars.
The Jays were fired up and prepared to get off to a good start, and they did just that. Gehlen put up 21 points in the first quarter to take a lead that they would not let go of for the remainder of the game. Head coach Ryan Wiltgen says Owen Seivers gave the Jays a big spark offensively early in the game.
Gehlen’s offense continued to churn out baskets with the team shooting at a rate of over 50% from the field. Coach Wiltgen says the guys were focused on the task at hand on the offensive side.
Gehlen’s defense did a stellar job on the Westerners after the first quarter of play. After Akron-Westfield scored 14 points in the first quarter, it would take them over two quarters to double that total. Coach Wiltgen says his guys did a good job of keeping them from getting into a groove.
The Jays advance on to play South O’Brien who they lost to just two weeks ago by a score of 64-50. Coach Wiltgen says the guys will be better prepared this time after being under the weather leading up to the regular season game.
Gehlen Catholic improves to 14-8 with the win. Their matchup with South O’Brien will tip off at 7:00 PM on Thursday, February 20 in Paullina. KLEM will broadcast the game live starting at 6:45 PM.
