Wheatland started slow in its Class 1 state quarterfinal matchup with McAuley Catholic, but the Mules used two big middle quarters to pull away from a 53-26 win.
The Mules started out trailing McAuley Catholic 8-7. In the second quarter, Wheatland’s defense stepped up and held the Warriors to two points while scoring 15 to take a 22-10 lead at the half. Out of the break, the Mules had their biggest offensive quarter with 23 points to build a 45-20 lead going into the fourth quarter.
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Nathan Sawyer led all scorers with 20 points. Michael Parrigon led McAuley Catholic with 12 points.
The win gave Wheatland the program’s second even final four berth. The Mules last made the final four in 2007 when they finished fourth.
Wheatland (27-3) will face defending Class 1 state champion Chadwick (21-7) in the state semifinal round at 2 pm on Mar. 14.
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McAuley Catholic – 8-2-10-6 – 26
Wheatland – 7-15-23-8 — 53
M: Michael Parrigon 12, Maxwell Anreder 6, Alexander Bohachick 4, Eiler Anderson 3, Conner Taffner 1
W: Nathan Sawyer 20, Tucker Shaddox 9, Lukas Gautieri 5, Damein Johnson 4, Andrew Murphy 4, Talon Barnett 4, Braden Sawyer 3, Daniel James 2, Xaveon Hunter 2
