WACO moves on with tenacious fourth

WAYLAND — WACO used a strong fourth quarter to keep its season alive Thursday night in the Class 1A District 10 semifinal, as the Warriors sent the defending state champion Montezuma Braves home, winning 46-42.

WACO’s backs were against the ropes all night long in its Class 1A Substate 5 matchup against Montezuma.

The Warriors found themselves down early, trailing 9-4 after one quarter of play. WACO was able to pull within two, 20-18, following a 14-11 second quarter.

In the third, Montezuma put together its best quarter, 17-11. With three quarters down, the WACO deficit was 37-29.

WACO wasn’t going to go down without swinging, and it did a lot more than just swing.

The Warriors held Montezuma to its lowest quarter of the night, just five points, while they scored their best, 17, edging the Braves and sending them out of the bracket.

Simeon Reichenbach had himself a night. The junior guard blew out his shoe and was forced to use a teammates. It didn’t slow him down as she finished with 20 points and nine rebounds.

Hunter Hughes finished with 10 points and seven rebounds. Cody Graber added seven points. Reece Oswald had four points. Colton Leichty had three and Chase Waterhouse two.

WACO moves on to the District 10 finals and will go toe-to-toe with New London for the third time this season. The game will take place at Mediapolis on Tuesday Feb. 22.