BY JIM MISUNAS
ANDOVER – The No. 2 state-ranked Andover Central Jaguars lived up to their lofty state ranking.
The Jaguars strung together five consecutive 3-pointers and dominated with long scoring streaks to overpower the Great Bend Panthers 68-26 in Thursday’s 5A substate semifinal.
Great Bend senior Brock Blessing drew his state record 29th charging foul to highlight the night. Trent Stueder and Korbin Widiger also played their final basketball game at Great Bend.
“We came a long ways as a group,” said Great Bend coach Tim Brooks. “We learned that every day matters. Had we won another game or two, we wouldn’t drawn such a tough game.”
Great Bend (9-13) saw the Jaquars score 10 straight points in the second period, 14 straight in the second period and 13 straight to start the second half.
Andover Central (18-3) was paced by Easton Leedom with 24 points, Braden Belt with 22 points and Xavier Bell with 11 points. The Jaquars knocked down 10 3-pointers with impressive long-range accuracy.
“Their shooters knocked down shots. Their penetration helps them,” said Great Bend coach Brooks. “They pressured us and we didn’t react to it very well.”
Alex Olivas paced the Panthers with eight points and Peyton Duvall and supersub Nick Wondra each added five points.
“We got looks, but their length and size bothered us,” Brooks said. “Our guys continued to battle and fight. That’s how we are wired.”
Great Bend 4 12 10 0 – 26
Andover Central 14 26 21 7 – 68
GREAT BEND (9-13)—Olivas 8, Duvall 5, Wondra 5, Widiger 4, Ryan, Schremmer 2
ANDOVER CENTRAL (19-3)—Leedom 24, Belt 22, Bell 11, Jensen 4, Herrmann 3, Washington 2, Stupka 2
