For the first time in 12 seasons, Cam Gatrell’s Aggies will fight for a Regional Title following Tuesday’s Regional Semifinal victory over Alcona.
The Aggies came into the contest following a District Title victory over Pinconning, their second in as many years. Last year, the Aggies fell to Sanford Meridian in the Regional Semifinal following their district title – this year they took care of the Mustangs in the District and now were set to face Alcona.
The Aggies had not won a Regional Semifinal game since winning a Regional Title in the 2012/2013 season. Lucky for the Aggies, their shot to get back to the Regional Final came in a familiar gym – Lake City.
The Aggies faced Alcona, who came into the contest 20-3, winning the North Star – Big Dipper in back-to-back seasons. Alcona was having a historic year themselves, winning their first district title since 2013.
That 2013 season came into play a lot for both sides, and to add even more…the last time these two teams faced off? Game 2 of the 2012/2013 season. Beal City beat the Tigers at home 73-56. A chance to repeat history for the Aggies was in play in the opening Regional Semifinal in Lake City.
Both teams battled in the first, with the Aggies offense working well putting up 18 through the first 8, and Alcona had 12. The second quarter saw more of the same, as the Aggies got hot from deep – hitting more triples in the first half (4) then they did in the entire district final game vs Pinconning.
The Aggies saw their lead reach double digits by the break, leading 35-24. Austin Small lead the Aggies with 15, Drake Gatrell added in 10, and Garrison Zuker hit two threes in the 2nd to go in with 8.
Beal City would erupt in the 3rd, never seeing that double-digit lead disappear the rest of the way. An offensive onslaught gave the Aggies a 20-point lead thanks to a 20-point quarter, as they led 55-35 headed into the final frame.
Alcona fought hard with good post play from Senior Evan Borsvold – who finished with 23 points on the night – but it was not enough to slow down the high-powered Aggie offense, as Beal went on to win 76-51.
Drake Gatrell had another great game – finishing everything at the cup and knocking down his free throws to finish with 19.
Garrison Zuker finished with 11, Owen McKenny punched in 10, and Cuyler Smith added in 7.
Our JNR Engraving Player of the Game went to Austin Small, who had a big bounce back game following Friday’s victory – finishing with 24 points to lead the Aggies.
Beal’s shots were falling tonight as they hit 7 behind the arc – and now will play for a chance at a Regional Title Thursday.
After a dramatic overtime victory in the latter of the Tuesday’s Regional Semifinals, Aggies Highland Conference Rival McBain also advanced to the Regional Final with a win over Pine River.
The rubber-match between these two foes who split during the regular season will be at 7pm Thursday right back inside the Lake City gym. We will be on the call so make sure to tune into Buck92.3 & Buck92.com on Thursday.
Kyle Sandel – Buck92 Sports Director
