Jays advance to District finals (Rebroadcast Available)

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Marshfield played a flawless end game, earning a thrilling 55-48 victory over the Bison of Buffalo on Wednesday night in the semifinals of the Missouri State High School Activities Association Class 4 District 9 Basketball Tournament.

Marshfield, now 13-12 on the season, will play for the district title on Friday night (weather permitting) at 7 p.m. against top seed Bolivar.

The Blue Jays were tied at 46 in the finals minutes against a game Buffalo squad, when Marshfield went on a 9-0 run to put the game away. The Blue Jays hit 3-of-5 field goals and 11-of-13 free throws in the final period to seal the deal.

Nathan VanDiggelen led the way for Marshfield with 21 points, hitting 8-of-10 field goals and 5-of-5 free throws with 3 rebounds, a steal and an assist in the game. The 5-10 senior didn’t miss a shot until midway through the third period, and made his last 5 shots.

“Nathan had a career night,” Marshfield coach Tom Stokes said. “That’s what it takes to win in the playoffs, to have someone step up with a career night.”

Justin Jones, a 6-0 senior, added 15 points to the winning attack, hitting 6-of-9 field goals and 3-of-3 free throws in the contest with 4 rebounds and 3 assists.

Junior Charlie Williams, a 6-5 post, led Marshfield on the boards with 9 rebounds in the game, scoring 9 points with 4 blocked shots.

Senior Kelby Phelps scored 4 points, hitting 4-of-4 free throws in the final period with 3 steals, 2 rebounds, 2 assists and a blocked shot in the game.

“They came out in a triangle and two, guarding Phelps and Justin Jones,” Stokes said. “Then Kelby picked up his fourth foul in the third period. But the other guys were able to step in a play well. I’m just so proud of all these kids.”

Senior Justin Drane added 4 rebounds, a steal and 3 assists to the winning attack.

Senior Alex Bartow finished with 2 points, 2 steals, a rebound and an assist for the Blue Jays.

Junior Cameron Keenan also scored 2 points for Marshfield, with a rebound while senior Jordan Jones had a rebound for the Jays.

“We just beat a very good team,” Stokes said. “Buffalo has come a long way this year. I really think coach Brosius should get coach of the year in the COC for the job he’s done. And he has all his players coming back next year except for two seniors.”

Buffalo, which finished the season with a record of 11-14, hit 6-of-11 treys and 8-of-10 free throws in the game.

Andrew Behrle hit 5-of-10 shots from beyond the arc, scoring 17 points in the game with a rebound for Buffalo.

Adam Paul led the Bison on the boards with 7 rebounds, scoring 7 points with 3 steals and 2 assists in the contest.

Kyle Gawlowski finished with 8 points, hitting 5-of-6 shots in the contest, with 2 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal for Buffalo.

Duane Atterberry and Robby Hohensee each scored 5 points for the Bison while John Wise posted 4 points, 4 rebounds and 2 steals for Bufffalo. Lynn Phillips scored 2 points and pulled in 2 rebounds for Buffalo.

Marshfield led 15-8 after one period as Justin Jones and Nathan VanDiggelen combined for 11 points without missing a shot in the stanza.

Buffalo cut the lead to 25-21 by intermission, and took the lead twice during the third period.

But Marshfield fought back for a 38-35 lead entering the final period. Charlie Williams had 7 points and 5 rebounds in the final period, and VanDiggelen scored 6 without missing a shot in the fourth quarter for the winners.

Marshfield made 15-of-17 free throws in the game and won the battle of the boards 26-18.

Thanks to Debbie Eddlemon for taking pics.  Click on pictures below to enlarge.

Tonight, the Lady Jays will face Bolivar at 7 p.m. in the finals of the District 9 Tournament. Gates open at 5:30 p.m.