Fort Dodge St. Edmond owned the fourth quarter and advanced into the class 2A semifinals. Tied with Tri-Center of Neola 34 all at the end of three the Gaels opened the final quarter with a quick 7-2 run enroute to a 54-44 win.

John Engler says it’s kind of nerve wracking and it’s good to get the first game out of the way and get over their nerves. Engler led four Gaels in double figures with 17 points and also added 12 rebounds. He says getting the lead early in the fourth quarter was critical, as you get more loose and are able to do the things you want to do instead of the things they want you to do.

The game was close for most of the way and Tri-Center led at halftime 25-23 despite making only two of 13 shots from three point range and getting outrebounded 20-13. Tri-Center coach Carl Cochran says they really didn’t think they played well in the first half, as they hung with them, but could never make a spurt to give them a cushion.

For the game the Trojans made only three of 21 shots from behind the arc. Cochran says they’ve lived by the outside shot all year long and stayed with that in the tournament. He says they normally probably shoot a better percentage from the outside. Kurt Spomer led the Trojans with 24 points as they end the season with a record of 20-5.