In a game of runs and counter-runs, Glendale couldn’t answer Helias Catholic’s surge in a pivotal third-quarter stretch.
The Falcons, who led by as many as nine early in the third quarter, were doomed by Helias’ 14-0 run that closed the period.
Glendale never led again on its way to a 73-63 loss in the boys’ Class 4 quarterfinals Saturday afternoon at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar.
GAME PHOTOS: GLENDALE VS. HELIAS
“It’s kind of one of those deals, ebb and flow of the game, we had a run early, then they had one, then we had one,” said Glendale coach Brian McTague. “It was to that point of the game, they made their run and going into the fourth quarter it’s a five-point game and we’re down.
“(Helias) made shots and they’re a hard team to play from behind on. Their kids make free throws and they never really give you a chance to come back in that spot.”
The victory sends Helias to the Final Four for the second time in three seasons.
Glendale was seeking its third trip to state in program history and first since 1990. The Falcons, who finished 19-10 overall, last made it to the state quarterfinal round in 1999.
“I really wish they got to experience Columbia, but they have nothing to hang their heads about,” McTague said about his team.
Sophomore Monty Johal had 22 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals to lead Glendale. Seventeen of those points came in the first half, as he keyed a big second quarter that saw Glendale out-score Helias 24-15 to lead by three at intermission.
Glendale stretched its lead up to nine (46-37) early in the third quarter, but would not make another field goal for about 8 minutes of game time.
The drought resulted in Helias scoring 14 unanswered points to lead 51-46 going into the fourth. Crusaders senior Sam Husting scored 8 points during the game-changing run, including a pair of 3-pointers.
“We let Husting get loose and it hurt us,” McTague said. “We turned it over a couple times in that stretch and didn’t get good looks.”
Jordan Walton’s layup brought Glendale within 58-53 with five minutes remaining, but the Falcons would commit turnovers on two of their next three possessions. Walton, who finished with 20 points, had a pair of 3-pointers in the final 1:30 to keep Glendale in the game.
Helias scored the game’s first seven points, resulting in a quick Glendale timeout, but the Falcons scored eight straight to take their first lead.
The Crusaders led 18-12 after the first quarter, but the next eight minutes was all Glendale. Trailing 23-14, Glendale scored 11 points in less than 1:30 and took a 25-23 lead on a Zach Helm 3-pointer.
Helias had four players score in double figures, led by sophomore Landon Harrison’s 20 points. The Crusaders finished 17-for-28 at the free throw line, including 11-for-19 in the fourth quarter.
Glendale graduates four seniors in Tristan Baker, Zach Helm, Will Sachs and Seth Flattery. The Falcons return their top two scorers in Walton and Johal, who will be juniors next season.
“I’m really proud of our four seniors,”McTague said. “They really bought into their roles and did everything we asked of them this season. This is one of the most enjoyable years I’ve had in a while in coaching.”
Helias Catholic 73, Glendale 63
Helias 18 15 18 22 — 73
Glendale 12 24 10 17 — 63
Helias – Landon Harrison 20, Sam Husting 17, Trevor Koelling 15, Adam Bax 11, Weston Porter 5, Natha Bax 3, Alex Brandt 2
Glendale – Monty Johal 22, Jordan Walton 20, Tristan Baker 11, Zach Helm 6, Will Sachs 2, Joshua Call 2
