Freeman edges Valentine in overtime thriller at state tournament
Last-second heroics have lifted Freeman on to the next round in Class C2.
BY: Mitch Gallant
LINCOLN, Neb. - Last-second heroics have lifted Freeman on to the next round in Class C2.
Easton Buss’ lay-in with 0.8 seconds to go in overtime gave the Falcons a 57-56 win over third-seeded Valentine.
That followed two straight 0-for-2 trips to the free throw line by both teams.
The game wouldn’t have gone to the extra session if not for Jayden Wiese, who tipped in a Keegan White miss as time expired in the fourth to tie the game at 47.
Valentine, playing without record setting center Isaac Cronin, played from behind for most of the game, finally gaining the lead in the 4th quarter. The Badgers shot 36% for the game but hit 40% of their three pointers, knocking down 10 of 25. Dominic Beebout led the way with 22 points. Trystan Beebout chipped in 13 and Cade Stankoski and Boone Jespersen each scored 8.
Easton Buss and Keegan White led Freeman with 12 points apiece. Owen Buss and Hayden Jansen joined them in double figures with 11 and 10 points respectively.
The Falcons will next face defending champs Bergan Catholic in Friday’s semi-finals. Valentine, making their first appearance at state since a semifinal appearance in 2004, finishes the year with a 23-4 record.