For the second straight year, and the second time in school history, the boys’ varsity basketball team is headed to state. The boys defeated Holy Angels on March 18 in the section finals 69-59 at Concordia University’s Gangelhoff Center.

The game was decided in the last four minutes. BSM led by two at halftime and built a ten-point lead with eight minutes to go, but Holy Angels roared back with a 6-0 run to cut the lead to 58-54. The Red Knights called a time out and then answered back as senior captain Matt Thomas hit a three-pointer from the corner: a dagger in Holy Angels’ side. Senior Armond Battle put the game out of reach, hitting four consecutive foul shots down the stretch.

Just as they have done all season, the seniors from BSM carried the team. Four seniors, Jordan Taylor, Stu Neville, Battle, and Thomas combined for 61 of the team’s 69 points. Taylor led the way with 20 points, followed by Battle with 18, Neville with 13, and Thomas with 10.

The Stars came out from the beginning with confidence, playing scrappy and not intimidated by the top-seeded Red Knights. They had nearly upset BSM earlier this year 66-64 on January 10 in the Haben Center. Senior Stoddard Barnhill led the way for the Stars with 17 points.

The boys’ season will now continue next week, which is unfortunately BSM’s spring break. The team’s first game will be on Wednesday. Then, if they advance, they will continue play throughout the week.

John Helms, sports editor