WHEATFIELD | The Kankakee Valley Class 3A Sectional is evolving into the Andrean Invitational.
The Times No. 4 Andrean made quick work of Rensselaer 66-38 in Friday’s first semifinal game, and the three-time defending champions will meet Hanover Central for the championship after the Wildcats ousted Calumet 46-34.
“We had a lot of energy,” Andrean coach Carson Cunningham said.
The Niners had a balanced attack with four players in double figures with Valpo recruit Nick Davidson leading the way with 13 points, while Collin Wojcik added 12. Nick Podkul tossed in 11 points, while J.J. Bosak came off the bench to score 10.
“It’s a very fun game when we’re all playing like that, passing the ball and sharing it,” Wojcik said.
The Niners (19-3) won’t look past the Wildcats (15-7).
“We’re definitely taking it one game at a time,” Wojcik said.
It’s getting all too familiar for Rensselaer coach Kevin Sims who has watched his Bombers get eliminated by the Niners for the fourth straight season.
“If we draw anybody else it seems like we win,” he said. “… That’s a well-oiled team, and a team that’s got a lot of experience and a team, without question, that understands what it’s like to play in the tournament.”
Sophomore Bryce Deno led the Bombers (7-15) with 18 points.
In the second game, Hanover overcame a slow start to advance to the championship for the second year in a row.
“It’s survive and move on,” Hanover coach Bryon Clouse said.
The Wildcats fell behind 10-0 but led 22-21 at the half as Jeremy Pedersoli and Max Johnson helped the Wildcats get untracked.
A Brandon Sears putback just before the third period buzzer put Hanover up 35-25, and it pulled away in the fourth.
Clouse knows it’s going to take a superb effort to wear the crown.
“Two years ago when I was playing Noll in the sectional championship I said, ‘I hope their bus breaks down,’ and I guess that’s about what we’ll have,” he said. “Obviously, it’s going to have to take an off night for them if we play anywhere near what we did tonight.”
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