Big third quarter pushes Kapaun on to 5A semifinals

EMPORIA, Kan. (Catch it Kansas) - The start of Kapaun’s time in Emporia started off on an awkward note. The public address announcer at Empoira State introduced the team ahead of the contest as Bishop Carroll, KMC’s chief rival, sending a big laugh across the crowd.

In the end, it was Kapaun that got the last laugh, the Crusaders using a pair of big quarters to get by Blue Valley Southwest 58-48.

The Crusaders caught fire immediately, scoring the game’s first 10 points and leading it 13-2 after one. That lead however shrunk by halftime, the Timberwolves finding their groove in the second to cut it down to 26-20, but it was clear where KMC’s advantage was with their size. They sat plus-12 in rebounding after 16 minutes, and that number only grew in the third.

With junior Will Thengvall leading the way, the Crusaders expanded their lead to 15 after three quarters, and despite a late scare after pulling the starters, Kapaun held off Southwest for a 10 point win.

Thengvall finished with 22, with Will Anciaux right behind him posting a double-double of 15 points and 10 boards.

Kapaun will now match up with fellow 22-1 squad Hutchinson with a spot in the championship game at stake.

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