A late rally saved the defending champions in class 3A. Trailing 57-52 with two minutes to play MOC/Floyd Valley scored the final eight points of the game for a thrilling 65-62 win over Cedar Rapids Xavier. Richie Clark provided the biggest play when he made a steal while Xavier was working for the final shot. He was fouled on the run out and made one of two free throws to give the Dutchmen a 63-62 lead.. The game was close throughout and the lead changed hands 11 times.
Xavier appeared to take control midway through the final quarter when the Saints built their biggest lead of the game of six points. Clark says everyone on the team is a competitor and they don’t get down when they’re behind.
Xavier had chances in the waning seconds. Jay Teply missed a pair of free throws with 13-seconds to go and Kevin Andrews missed the follow up shot. T.J. missed a three pointer as time expired. Xavier guard Scott Schemmel who finished with 19-points. Schemmel says it was a game they should have taken, but killed themselves with too many turnovers in the fourth quarter. The Saints end the season 16-9.