North Linn 74, Don Bosco 51

Class 1A Semifinals

North Linn 74, Don Bosco, Gilbertville 51

DES MOINES – North Linn had never made a championship game, and Don Bosco, Gilbertville began Wednesday’s Class 1A semifinal intent on extending that run. Then the top-seeded and unbeaten Lynx took over like they have all season, and like few teams have across the state in recent seasons.

Ripping off a 20-0 run in the span of 3 minutes and 48 seconds during the first quarter, North Linn (28-0) secured a 74-51 win at Wells Fargo Arena. Strong guard play put the Dons (23-4) up 12-6 early, but by the time the first quarter horn sounded, North Linn was up 26-12 and the score would never be in single digits again. The aggressive streak continued into the second quarter, with North Linn’s lead peaking at 36-14, and the damage from constant pressure defense and non-stop offense from guards Jake Hilmer and Ryan Miller was done. Hilmer finished with 29 points and Miller had 25 in the win. Forward Trevor Boge added 15 on just eight field goal attempts.

Don Bosco managed to shoot 55 percent in the game, but 20 turnovers and being outscored 20-2 on the fast break put the championship round out of reach. Zach Huff and Zach Nie led the fifth-seeded Dons in scoring, finishing with 15 and 14, respectively.

North Linn’s three previous tournament trips came in 1976, 1977, and last year. The two most recent visits resulted in third-place finishes. Now, co-coaches Bob and Mike Hilmer can claim 1A’s top prize.

The 1A championship game is set for 2 p.m. on Friday. The Lynx will play the winner of Grand View Christian vs. St. Mary’s, Remsen. Don Bosco will appear in Thursday morning’s 1A consolation game at 10:30 a.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 | GAME STORY

Grand View Christian 78,  St. Albert, Council Bluffs 68 – Final | BOX SCORE | GAME STORY

St. Mary’s, Remsen 73, Lynnville-Sully 57 – Final | BOX SCORE | GAME STORY

Semifinal Round – March 7

North Linn 74, Don Bosco, Gilbertville 51 – Final | BOX SCORE

3:45 p.m.—Grand View Christian vs. St. Mary’s, Remsen