Columbus Catholic handles A-B to reach sectional final
Scott A. Williams
STEVENS POINT - The game plan for the Columbus Catholic boys basketball team was hardly a mystery Thursday night.
Columbus Catholic wanted to make it as difficult as possible for Almond-Bancroft's Noah Kollock and Dylan Bunders to get their points.
The Dons slowed down A-B's dynamic duo. However, an even bigger problem for the Eagles was dealing with Columbus Catholic's three-headed scoring machine.
Tyler Fuerlinger, Nick Malovrh and Hunter Schultz combined for 63 points, with a game-high 27 coming from Fuerlinger, in the Dons' 75-62 win over A-B in a Division 5 sectional semifinal.
Columbus Catholic advances to the sectional championship game against Gresham, a 79-74 winner over Lena in overtime. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m. Saturday at D.C. Everest.
"We did our thing and took a step in the right direction," Malovrh, who scored 14 of his 19 points in the first half to help the Dons build a double-digit cushion at the break.
"Our goal is to get to state, and I think we're getting there."
Bunders was limited to 13 points, while Kollock tallied 18 of his team-high 20 points in the second half with the Dons in control.
Columbus Catholic was hoping to avoid a repeat of their regional meeting with the Eagles a year ago won by A-B, 58-55.
Pushing the pace whenever possible from the opening tip-off, the Dons jumped out to a fast start, grabbing a 20-9 lead with 10:20 left in the opening half.
A-B had trouble containing the quickness of Malovrh and Fuerlinger, who were able to get into the paint at will for easy passes inside or open looks on the perimeter.
"It's hard to replicate what they do. They're so quick and spread the floor," A-B coach Curt Lamb said. "When they dribble drive, it's hard to stay in front of them, and when you help, they backdoor cut or there is an open shooter.
"To get to this point is very disappointing and hurts. Going in we needed all hands on deck. Everybody did a little part, but we needed more from everybody."
The Eagles made a mini-charge in the second half, cutting the deficit to 59-53 with 4:44 left in regulation.
Columbus Catholic never flinched, however, and soon built the lead back up to double digits and then sealed the outcome at the free-throw line.
Now the Dons are one win away from the program's first trip to Madison as a member of the WIAA.
"I thought our players really played well in a playoff atmosphere," Dons coach Joe Konieczny said. "Our opponent was one we had the ultimate respect for.
"For us to get a win in that type of atmosphere against a team that's that talented, and that well coached, we're extremely proud and grateful for the next opportunity."
On the opposite bench, Lamb feels extremely fortunate to have been able to coach arguably the most successful senior class in school history.
"They are always going to compete. That is what I'll remember about that group (of seniors). Their will to win," Lamb said. "That's the legacy I'll remember about them. They won't be forgotten."
Almond-Bancroft (62): Wyatt Richtmyre 7, Dylan Bunders 13, Noah Kollock 20, Carter Newby 7, Jon Perrin 4, Cade Lamb 11.
Columbus Catholic (75): Jarred Mandel 7, Nick Malovrh 19, Hunter Schultz 17, Tyler Fuerlinger 27, Noah Hansen 5.
3-pointers: Almond-Bancroft 6 (D. Bunders, Newby, Lamb 3, Kollock); Columbus Catholic 5 (Mandel, Malovrh 2, Schultz, Fuerlinger).
Records: Columbus Catholic 24-2; Almond-Bancroft 23-3.