By: Aaron Pyle
The St. Paul dominated Yates Center (9-11) in the Indians’ final game of the regular season, Feb. 21, 63-40. Senior Adam Albertini led the way in the victory scoring 27 points for the Indians. Following the win, the Indians began 1A Regional play in Moran-Marmaton Valley where they received a first-round bye. In the semifinals, the Indians faced the Oswego Indians (6-15).
St. Paul met with Oswego in the second to last game of the regular season, Feb. 18, defeating Oswego 76-52 behind a 21-point performance from Albertini.
In the first quarter, offensive production was slow on both sides of the ball. Senior Kaleb Lemmons helped St. Paul remain ahead scoring eight of the Indians’ ten first-quarter points. Defense reigned supreme in the second quarter but St. Paul remained ahead holding a 21-15 lead at halftime.
The defense of the Indians came out strong in the second half of the semifinal holding Oswego to a minimum while St. Paul took advantage of missed opportunities. Outscoring Oswego 33-21 in the second half, St. Paul went on to win 54-36 over Oswego.
Lemmons led the way for St. Paul to finish the game with 20 points. Senior Chandler Bradshaw and Albertini tallied up 11 points, respectively, in the victory.
After the win, the Indians move onto the Class 1A Moran-Marmaton Valley Regional final Saturday, Feb. 29 at 7:30 where St. Paul faces the TBA winner of Altoona-Midway (9-11) vs. Colony-Crest (8-12).