Mediapolis — Ask Paul Kissell if he found any vindication last night. He’ll say no — he’ll also say no, it wasn’t revenge.
Remember two years ago on Father Minnett Gymnasium when New London, led by two freshman ended WACO’s dream undefeated season with a 60-52 district semifinal win.
Fast forward to last night, it appears a changing of the guard might be on the horizon in southeast Iowa.
WACO’s 17-10 second quarter run propelled the Warriors to a 52-48 triumph over New London, guiding them back to the Substate Finals Saturday night.
Simeon Reichenbach’s second quarter three pointer, which gave WACO a 28-26 lead, proved to be the difference as the Warriors would not trail again.
The lead grew to six at halftime and nine by the end of three quarters, though New London would start to rally.
Devin Swanson’s triple at the 2:31 mark of the fourth quarter brought the lead down to just two at 48-46.
New London would not get closer, missing two threes which would have tied the game.
Late game foul shooting by Hunter Hughes and Colton Leichty iced away any potential drama.
Hughes and Leichty each scored 12 for the Warriors, while Reichenbach had nine.
Swanson had a game-high 16, while Blaise Porter chipped in with 11.
WACO improved to 20-4, while New London closes their season 20-3.