EV-W’s heartbreaking, buzzer-beating loss will sting a while

A smattering of stunned and anxious SCSU Halenbeck Hall fans were on the edge of their seats Friday night, March 16, as they witnessed a thrilling Section 6-AA championship
game featuring Eden Valley-Watkins and St. Cloud Cathedral. SCC’s Nick Schaefer drained a three-point shot at the buzzer, clinching the 55-54 victory and vaulting the defending champ Crusaders into next week’s state tournament. Though an obvious, crushing defeat for the Eagles, they should find undisputable consolation in knowing that their impressive season produced the most wins in the program’s history (26).

 

EV-W walked out of the March 16 championship game with runner-up status, and without a ticket to the State tournament, but they can be proud of a great season and post-season run. Their fans are grateful for an exciting ride, all the way to the single-point loss at the buzzer Saturday. Staff photo by Gaylen Bicking.

 

SCC Game

EV-W’s Dominic Schlangen gave the Eagles a one-point lead, (53-52) when he drilled a trey with just over a minute remaining. At the circa five-second mark, EV-W’s Matthew Notch was fouled. His first free-throw found the net, but his second shot caromed off the rim, allowing the Crusaders’ Michael Schaefer to secure the rebound and launch a long pass to his brother, Nick, who caught it outside of the 3-point arc, squared-up; and nothing but net and mayhem resulted. EV-W Scoring: Luke Jansen, 9; Mickale Stotz, 2; Landon Schlangen, 8; Matthew Notch, 5; Dominic Schlangen, 19; Justin Streit, 7; Joshua Streit, 4.

 

Eagles senior Dominic Schlangen tries for two surrounded by Cathedral opponents. Schlangen was high-scorer in this tense game with 19. Staff photo by Gaylen Bicking.

 

Pine City Game

The Eagles earned their way to the finals versus St. Cloud Cathedral with a victory over Pine City, 50-42, on Wednesday, March 14, in the Section 6AA semi finals. EV-W held a 23-21 halftime advantage. The Dragons stayed close the entire game, but the Eagles turned-up the defense and claimed the victory. EV-W Scoring: Luke Jansen, 8; Mickale Stotz, 2; Landon Schlangen, 2; Matthew Notch, 14; Dominic Schlangen, 11; Justin Streit, 6; Joshua Streit, 7.

 

 

Eagles senior Matthew Notch goes up for 2 against Pine City. Notch was high-scorer in the game with 14. Their 50-42 win over Pine City Wednesday led them to the Section 6AA championship game Saturday. Staff photo by Marguerite Laabs.