The dream of going to the MSHSAA Class 2 Final Four in Columbia, Missouri to play at Mizzou Arena came true for the Lincoln Cardinals boys basketball team last week. The town gave the team a superior sendoff and the players were able to enjoy the splendor and grandeur of playing in a huge arena in front of thousands of fans.
However, the game against powerhouse and eventual state champion Eugene in the semifinal matchup on Wednesday was a nightmare. The Eagles jumped out to an 8-0 lead, led 22-6 after one and 37-13 at the half.
A slew of turnovers and 71 percent shooting from Eugene in the first half proved fatal for the Cardinals from Lincoln. Lincoln had lost to Eugene back on January 3 in Lincoln by a final score of 62-27 so they were well-aware of their formidable opponent. Coincidentally, the Eagles (28-4) defeated Canton 72-61 on Thursday to win the state championship in Class 2.
LINCOLN (33): Sanders, 4; Kriesler, 3; Everhart, 2; Koll, 5; Srader, 7; Benham, 2; Harms, 4; Eckhoff, 6.
EUGENE (67): Busch, 4; Allen, 18; Hart, 6; Wunderlich, 15; Belt, 7; Richard, 6; I. Busch, 5; Englebright, 2; Carrender, 2; Dorchoff, 3.
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On Thursday, Lincoln played for third place against Puxico.
Another slow start doomed the Cardinals. It was 25-5 at one point in the second quarter, but Lincoln made a run to get it to ten at 27-17. The Indians then ran the score to 31-17 at the halftime break.
In the third, Puxico led 48-24 before running away with the 61-38 victory. They ended their season at 28-4.
On a side note, the town of Puxico had a fire two weeks ago that devastated their main street area destroying four buildings. The team's success in the Final Four gave the community a sweet distraction from the tragedy.
While Lincoln lost both games, they will hang a banner soon.
Tyler Burke commented, "We had a couple of tough one's in Columbia against two really good teams. I was proud of our kids. We played hard. We didn’t play our best, but when you’re playing the state champion and another team of that caliber, it’s tough. I think the guys enjoyed the experience and it’s one they will certainly never forget. We deserved to make it to the Final Four. We won the games and beat the teams in front of us to get there."
He went on to say, "I’m happy for our boys, they got to play in Mizzou Arena, and at that, we got a chance to get all of our guys in to experience it. Our fan and community support was outstanding and it was cool to see so many friends and families up there. We had a great season and a great turnaround going from 7 wins last year to the Final Four".
Coach Burke added, "Now we get to hang a banner with our kid's names on it that will hang on the wall forever and that’s pretty cool. Hopefully it won’t be 40 more years until it happens again."
Lincoln finished their 2024-25 season at 23-6.
LINCOLN (38): Sanders, 6; Cole, 3; Kriesler, 2; Everhart, 2; Koll, 3; Srader, 5; Benham, 12; Harms, 3; Gossen, 2.
PUXICO (61): Burchard, 9; Steward, 2; Parsley, 9; Powell, 5; Long, 10; Hancock, 15; Zimmerman, 8; Ward, 1; Dry, 2.
