Potosi, Mo. (KFMO) – The Potosi Trojans are headed to a Final Four for the first time in program history after beating the Clayton Grayhounds 78-63 on Saturday.
Senior Carter Whitley hit a 3-pointer giving the Trojans an early 3-2 lead and they never trailed after. Thomas Lambing finished off a tremendous no-look pass by Whitley that froze the Clayton defense and it was all Potosi after as they led 19-10 after the opening quarter.
Clayton, with their season on the line, didn’t back down in the second, outscoring the Trojans 14-12 but the team still trailed 31-24 at the half.
The Potosi crowd erupted early in the second half after the Trojans answered an early Sabastian Bolden 3-pointer with a couple of big makes, and a takeaway by Peyton Rowe.
Rowe says the fast start in the second half is a result of how the team prepares.
Rowe finished the game with a double-double, 17 points and 10 rebounds. He made a perfect six-of-six from the foul line in the win. Whitley led the Trojans with 27 points. Lambing added 15 points, while EJ Sansegraw contributed 11 points.
Whitley earned his 2,000th career point in the victory.
Bolden and Da’marion Verges each had 17 points for the Clayton Greyhounds.
For Potosi Trojans head coach Jackson Conaway, reaching the Final Four is a reflection of effort given by every player that has played for him in his six years in the position.
The Trojans turn their attention to the Class 4 Semifinal for the first time ever and will play the top team in the class, Vashon Wolverines on Friday at MIZZOU Arena in Columbia. Conaway says the team shouldn’t overlook the importance of the Quarterfinal win.
Potosi (24-4) will play Vashon on Friday, March 21 at 2 p.m. in the Class 4 Semifinal and are guaranteed a game on Saturday, either the Championship, or 3rd Place Game. Coverage of the Class 4 Semifinal will begin at 1:30 p.m. Friday on AM-1240 KFMO, the KFMO App, and online at kfmosports.com.
The Trojans reached the Final Four on their third try in program history having lost in the quarterfinal round of the state playoffs in 1973-74 and 1968-69.