The Sumner-Eddyville-Miller Mustangs edged out the Walthill Blujays in a thrilling 59-55 victory on Wednesday night in the Class D2 Quarterfinals of the 2024 NSAA State Boys Basketball Championships. The game, held at a neutral location at the Devaney Sports Center in Lincoln, Nebraska, was a nail-biter from start to finish.
What it is: Varsity Boys Basketball
Matchup: Walthill Blujays vs Sumner-Eddyville-Miller Mustangs
Game Type: Neutral playoff game
Bracket: 2024 NSAA State Boys Basketball Championships (Nebraska) – Class D2
Time: Wednesday, Mar 6, 2024, 7:45 PM (Local time)
Locations: Sumner-Eddyville-Miller High School – Sumner, NE
Home Team: Sumner-Eddyville-Miller Mustangs 17-7
Away Team: Walthill Blujays 18-4
Live Stream: Watch here
The Blujays, boasting a strong 18-4 record, entered the matchup as the slight favorite. However, the Mustangs, with a 17-7 record, displayed grit and determination throughout the contest. Both teams traded baskets and leads throughout the first half, making it a close game at the break.
The second half continued the trend of back-and-forth action, with neither team able to establish a significant advantage. The Mustangs, led by key performances from managed to pull ahead in the final minutes thanks to clutch free throws and defensive stops. Despite a valiant effort from the Blujays, the Mustangs held on to secure their spot in the Class D2 semifinals.
This win marks a significant achievement for the Sumner-Eddyville-Miller program, as they advance to the state semifinals for the first time in school history. The Mustangs will face a tough challenge in the next round, but their performance against the Blujays demonstrates their resilience and potential.
For the Walthill Blujays, the loss brings their impressive season to an end. However, the team can be proud of their accomplishments, reaching the quarterfinals and showcasing their talent throughout the year.
