SV Eagles top Warriors to reach East final

Thursday, January 24, 2019
Southen Valley junior Beau Baily (35) defends Arapahoe junior Yordi Gutierrez’s jumper during their RPAC East semifinal game Wednesday evening. The host Eagles took charge of a 51-37 win.
R.B. Headley/McCook Gazette

OXFORD, Neb. — Draeden Best’s seven second-quarter points fueled a pivotal 16-3 Southern Valley run in Wednesday’s 51-37 RPAC tournament win over the Arapahoe Warriors.

The Warriors took a quick 13-7 lead on baskets from Colton Hearn, Tristen Abraham and Yordi Gutierrez while appearing ready to avenge last week’s 53-48 home defeat.

Yet just as suddenly, the host S.V. Eagles (11-5 record) showed they are a young yet dangerous RPAC tourney threat.

They ripped off six straight points for a 13-13 tie and really never looked back.

Best joined Clayton Berry and Carter Bose in delivering huge momentum-turning shots.

Meanwhile, teammate Jaden Quinn drilled his own three-pointer which helped the Eagles take a 23-16 lead into halftime.

Berry talled six of his 11 points during the third period where Southern Valley maintained a 35-28 advantage.

Quinn then added eight fourth-quarter pointsd — including 80 percent free throws (four for five) — to highlight the 16-9 final period.

Southern Valley sets up the rematch of last year’s subdistrict final game against Cambridge.

The teams will meet to decide this RPAC East Division champ Friday night at Bertrand High School.

Whoever prevails will play either Paxton or Wauneta-Palisade for the RPAC title Saturday night in McCook.

ARAPAHOE (37) — Yordi Gutierrez 17 points, Carson Schroeder 8, Gentry Anderson 7, Colton Hearn 2, Tristan Abraham 2, Reilley Einspahr 1.

SOUTHERN VALLEY (51) — Jaden Quinn 15 points, Clayton Berry 11, Draden Best 11, Brody Yant 6, Carter Bose 5, Beau Baily 3.

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