In a decisive victory, the top-seeded Central Minnesota Christian School (CMCS) boys basketball team defeated the eighth-seeded Lac qui Parle Valley (LQPV) 104-25 during the Section 3A-North playoffs at Montevideo High School on Saturday. Despite the lopsided score, CMCS coach Ted Taatjes expressed concerns leading up to the game, particularly about his team’s focus and the impact of the smaller-than-usual crowd due to inclement weather.
Taatjes noted that his worries stemmed from LQPV’s previous performance, where they secured a tight win against Canby with a score of 74-69. He acknowledged the potential for his team to underestimate their opponents after a technical foul for dunking during warmups left them trailing 2-0 before the game even began. However, this setback only fueled CMCS’s determination.
CMCS Takes Control Early
After LQPV’s brief lead, CMCS quickly regained momentum, scoring 15 consecutive points. Following a timeout called by LQPV, the Bluejays surged further ahead with a 20-point run, establishing a commanding 35-4 lead. Taatjes commented, “I didn’t sleep at all last night, so they definitely had our attention. It’s a Saturday morning game and everyone can be a little sluggish. There was not a full gym.” To energize his team, Taatjes implemented a three-quarters press that proved effective against LQPV.
As the game progressed, CMCS showcased their offensive prowess, with Asher Wieberdink leading the charge by scoring 22 points, 20 of which came in the first half. He also had two dunks that contributed to the score and earned him the technical foul during warmups. Other key contributors included Caleb Asake with 20 points, and both Chase and Landon Taatjes, who added 15 points each.
With this victory, CMCS improved their season record to 26-1 and advanced to the semifinals of the Section 3A-North playoffs, where they will face fourth-seeded Renville County West on March 12, 2024.
Other Results from Section 3A-North
In additional matchups, second-seeded Dawson-Boyd overcame Yellow Medicine East with a score of 75-50, while third-seeded Wabasso defeated sixth-seeded Minneota 81-60. In the 3A-South bracket, first-seeded Hills-Beaver Creek triumphed over eighth-seeded Red Rock Central, and fifth-seeded Edgerton managed to upset fourth-seeded Russell-Tyler-Ruthton 64-45.
The championship game for the Section 3A playoffs is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 12, at Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, where teams will compete for a coveted state berth.
In the earlier matchup between Renville County West and MACCRAY, the Jaguars, coached by Matt Huhnerkoch, secured a 76-58 victory. They focused on limiting the three-point shooting of MACCRAY’s Lucas and Jonah Janssen. The strategy paid off, as the Jaguars held the Janssens to a combined total of five three-pointers.
Jonathan Driggs led Renville County West with an impressive 29 points and 22 rebounds, supported by teammates Grant Novotny and Humberto Ramirez, who scored 22 and 15 points, respectively. MACCRAY’s top performer was Jonah Janssen, who recorded 18 points.
This playoff season continues to showcase thrilling action as teams vie for a chance at the state championship, with every game bringing new surprises and standout performances.
