Beloit pulls away from Norton to move to sub-state final

RUSSELL, Kan. (Catch it Kansas) - The Beloit Trojans advanced to the finals of the Russell 3A Sub-State with a 50-33 victory over the Norton Community Bluejays.

The first quarter went back and forth until late when Beloit got a field goal to give them an 11-9 lead at the break.

The Trojans went on a six-and-a-half minute 9-0 run in the second quarter. Norton’s Roman Hauser scored a three-pointer at the 1:31 remaining mark. Eli Jones added another three late in the quarter.

Beloit led 22-15 at halftime.

Norton returned the favor in the third quarter.

The Bluejays started the quarter on a 5-1 run. With 3:55 left in the quarter, Dean Clark made a field goal to put Norton up 24-23.

Thirty seconds later Beloit’s Quinn Eilert scored two points to put the Trojans back on top.

“I thought it was huge that they made the run and take the lead,” said Beloit Head Coach Ryan Eilert. “We didn’t hang our heads. It’s a group that matured over the past few years. I thought Wyatt (Broeckelman) did a good job of being a leader. He didn’t hang his head, it made him more determined.”

It would take Norton five more minutes to find their next score. At that point they trailed 33-26.

The Trojans used free throws to cement their lead. Beloit only missed two of seven attempts in the fourth quarter.

Beloit’s Wyatt Broeckelman and Bryce Beisner both led all scorers with 17 points. Broeckelman made two field goals, three three-pointers, and went four of six from the free-throw line. Beisner made six field goals and a perfect five of five free throws.

Norton Community ends its season with a 14-8 record.

Beloit advances to the championship game Saturday night against a familiar foe, the Southeast of Saline Trojans. Beloit lost to Southeast of Saline on December 9th 68-46 and on February 7th 41-33.

“It’s a team we know. They’ve been able to handle us,” said Coach Eilert. “Our kids are excited to get a third chance at them and see what can happen.”

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