Don Bosco 60, George-Little Rock 57

Class 1A Quarterfinals

Don Bosco, Gilbertville 60, George-Little Rock 57

DES MOINES – Don Bosco, Gilbertville’s first ever state tournament win went down to the final whistle in Monday morning’s Class 1A quarterfinals. The Dons (23-3) held off a comeback attempt from Siouxland contender George-Little Rock and forced a tough 3-point heave at the buzzer to win 60-57. It was Don Bosco’s first appearance at state since 1988 and its first win in three tries in Des Moines.

Fifth-seeded George-Little Rock (19-7) trailed by 11 at halftime and as many seven in the fourth quarter, but challenged the Dons with tough defense down the stretch. The Mustangs shot 52 percent from the field after halftime – compared to 28.6 in the first two quarters – and got double-digits scoring from Caleb Terhark, Josh Haken, and Landon Jumbeck. They tied the Dons with 3:56 remaining and were only down 59-57 with 11 seconds left, but couldn’t complete the comeback.

Don Bosco shot 54 percent before halftime and outrebounded the longer Mustangs, frequently attacking the basket through point guard Zach Huff (six assists) and Jack Kelley, who finished with a game-high 17 points. The Dons also made 17 of their 21 free throws in the tight game, clinching their advantage with Huff’s make with 10 seconds left.

The Dons will play top-seeded North Linn (27-0) in Wednesday’s Class 1A semifinals at 2 p.m.

Quarterfinal Round – March 5

North Linn 80, Edgewood-Colesburg 34 – Final | BOX SCORE | GAME STORY

Don Bosco, Gilbertville 60, George-Little Rock 57 – Final | BOX SCORE

1:00 p.m.—Grand View Christian vs. St. Albert, Council Bluffs

2:45 p.m.—St. Mary’s, Remsen vs. Lynnville-Sully