Norfolk Catholic bound for State after win over Tri County

NORFOLK - For the fourth time in five years, the Norfolk Catholic Knights are heading to the Capital City of the State Tournament.

After winning the C2-4 Subdistrict over Wakefield on Thursday, the Knights were given the #8 seed, allowing them to host the #9 Tri County Trojans. The Trojans fell to Bergan Catholic in their Subdistrict Final on Thursday, but earned a wildcard into the District Final.

The Knights opened up the game on a 10-3 run, then pushed their lead to 17-8 with the first quarter clock winding down. Drew Siems hit a running three off the glass to cut the lead to 17-11 after one.

Tri County used the momentum to carry their offense in the second quarter. Siems knocked down four triples in the first half to help push the Trojans ahead of the Knights 26-24.

Callen Marshall opened up the third quarter with a three for Norfolk Catholic, but instead of Siems leading the offense on the outside, it was Zach Vossler who scored 10 points for Tri County on the inside. The Trojans maintained a 38-37 lead into the final quarter.

Marshall mirrored his first shot of the third quarter with another deep bomb to kickoff the fourth. Norfolk Catholic began hitting a higher percentage of their interior shots, led by Gavin Schutt's ability to drive and Leighton Burbach's presence in the paint.

Nathan Timmerman provided a major spark for Norfolk Catholic, scoring all 11 of his points in the second half.

Norfolk Catholic held on for the 58-50 win, sending the Knights back to Lincoln after missing last season with a loss to the eventual champion, Bergan Catholic, in the District Final.

Gavin Schutt scored 18 points for the Knights, followed by Leighton Burbach and Callen Marshall each scoring 12.

Tri County's Drew Siems led all scorers with 23 points, with Zach Vossler adding 14 points for the Trojans.

Norfolk Catholic will await their seed and matchup after Class C2 District Finals wrap up on Tuesday.