Danville cruises to win in state opener

DES MOINES ? Michael Soukup scored a game-high 24 points to pace top-ranked Danville to a 78-46 victory over Wapsie Valley in the Class 1A opening round of the state boys? basketball tournament Monday at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines

The Bears, who improved to 26-0 with the quarterfinal win, move on to the state semifinals for the third season in a row. Danville has fallen one win shy of a state title in its previous two trips.

Monday, the Bears hit five 3-pointers in the first quarter and looked like the team to beat from the opening tip. Danville finished with 11 treys, including four from Soukup. Steven Soukup, Michael?s twin brother, hit two more and finished with 19 points and 11 boards. Connor Hogberg added 17 points and seven rebounds for the Bears.

Danville plays Storm Lake St. Mary?s (25-1) in the semifinal round scheduled at 10:30 a.m. Thursday.