Titan boys advance to second round with 73-54 win over Canton

On Tuesday, Feb. 27 the Tea Area High School boys’ basketball team began their post season with a Region playoff game against Canton. 

The Titans entered the playoffs seeded four in Region 4A with an 11-9 record. Canton came in as the fifth seed in the Region, with a 12-8 record. 

The Titans jumped out early, taking a 26-13 lead after the opening quarter; however, Canton battled back in the second to cut the Titans’ lead to seven. The Titans picked things up in the second half to secure the 73-54 victory. 

“Obviously this time of year every game is going to be difficult, but this was an especially tough match-up for the first round of the playoffs. Canton has a very talented and athletic team, but I was really impressed with how well we played,” said Titan head coach Drew Weber. “We made a lot of shots early, which is obviously important, but we played so well together as a group that we were really clicking the whole game. Defensively, we had a few lapses, but that is more attributed to Canton’s ability than our own effort and execution. The games are only going to continue to get tougher, but we have a team capable of beating anyone.”

For the Titans, three players were in double figures with Sam Almas leading the way with 22 points. Almas was five of nine from three point range. He also grabbed six rebounds, had one assist and three steals. Marshall Smythe finished the night with 20 points, going three of six from three point range. He also grabbed six rebounds, had four assists and two steals. Grifin Wiebenga finished the night with 12 points, going four of six from the field and two of two from the foul line. He also grabbed two rebounds, had two assists and one steal. 

Boston Willemssen finished the night with eight points, six rebounds, and two steals. Jessen Wiebenga had four points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals. Keeton Newborg added two points, grabbed one rebound, had four assists and two steals. Brenner Konrad and Rylan Norris each added two points and Cole McKinney finished with one. 

Watch next week’s paper for photos from the game. 

With the win over Canton, the Titans advance to the second round of playoffs to be played on Friday, March 1 against top seeded Dakota Valley. The Panthers enter with an 18-3 record. The winner of the match-up  will compete in the SoDak 16.