Class 2A Semifinal Wrap Up & Title Game Preview

<p>We wrap up Friday's state semifinals &amp; preview Saturday's state title game match up between Columbia Christian &amp; Western Christian.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Semifinals Wrap Up:</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Friday's first semifinal game featured the 4th game of the year between Northwest League rivals Columbia Christian &amp; Knappa.  The Loggers being the only 2A team to give Columbia a remotely competitive game this season.  Any hopes of an upset were quickly put to rest as the Knights jumped out an 18-5 first quarter advantage and then used a 30-10 third quarter to put the game away, winning 81-41.  Knappa was led by <strong>Timber Engblom</strong>, a 6'1 senior guard who finished with 15 points &amp; 3 steals.  As usual for Columbia, 6'9 sophomore <strong>Ben Gregg</strong> was his dominant self going 10/14 from the field on his way to a 27 point 11 rebound performance.  However it was sophomore wing <strong>Elijah Munyan</strong> that got the Knights go in the first with his aggressive attacks to the basket on his way to an 18 point performance.  The second semifinal match up looked like a blow out in the making as #2 Western Christian jumped out an early 13 point lead over #3 Toledo.  The Boomers settled down, eventually getting the margin to two points in the third quarter before Western settled in, eventually winning 67-55.  Offensively, the Pioneers were efficient, shooting 49% from the field while only committing 12 turnovers.  Leading the way were senior guard <strong>Keaton Hull</strong> who went 10/12 at the line on his way to a 20 point night.  Talented 6'4 junior wing <strong>Payton Richardson</strong> contributed a 20 point 10 rebound night, &amp; point guard Johnny Williams dished out 7 assists.  The Boomers who suffered their first loss to a 2A team were led by guard Mason McAlpine who knocked down five 3's on his way to 15 points.  6'6 sophomore post <strong>Jaxon Rozewski</strong> scored 10 tough points to go along with 7 rebounds.  The real story though was junior guard <strong>Conner Marchant</strong>, the state's leading scorer who was held to 12 points &amp; 6 assists.  The most amazing part of Marchant's stat line?  Only 4 field goal attempts as Western did a great job of making every catch a tough for the smooth shooting lefty.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>State Championship Preview:</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The rematch that has seemingly been destined to happen since last March when Columbia Christian defeated Western Mennonite (now Christian) 65-61 behind a 23 point 19 rebound performance.  Both teams returned the bulk of their roster &amp; have been dominant this season against 2A competition.  Neither team appears to have glaring weaknesses &amp; most years both would be overwhelming favorites to win the blue trophy and cut down the nets.  Both teams feature outstanding coaches &amp; talented players, so at the end of the day, we are going to give the nod to the team with the best player &amp; that is clearly Gregg.  Each team features several players who will have the chance to play at the college level, but class 2A has never seen a player as talented as the Columbia sophomore &amp; we believe that he will make enough plays down the stretch to help the Knights prevail in a game that should go down to the final possessions.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>