Tigers take down reigning state champs to re-start 'mission'

Dundy County-Stratton senior Jackson Kerchal's dunk bounced out Monday, but freshman Ethan Latta turned the carom into two more Tiger points in their 51-36 district finals win over Humphrey-Lindsay Holy Family at Kearney High School. Kerchal (also below) resumed dominating with 21 points including two he scores over three Bulldog defenders. Senior Corbin Horner (bottom photo) along with other team leaders like Andrew Englot and Alex Englot (both right) were soon celebrating their second consecutive Class D-1 state tournament spot.

R.B. Headley/McCook Gazette

ditor’s note: More about the Dundy County-Stratton Tigers will appear in Thursday’s McCook Gazette.

KEARNEY, Neb. — The journey returns to Lincoln where Dundy County-Stratton’s boys are clearly thinking about unfinished business.

They finished off defending Class D-1 champion Humphrey-Lindsay Holy Family, 51-36, in Monday’s district finals at Kearney High.

R.B. Headley/McCook Gazette

Few players can finish like junior post Jackson Kerchal, who not only dominated inside but stepped outside for a buzzer-beating “three.”

The Tigers (22-4 record) led 37-26 through three quarters and this drama was basically done.

DC-S will also take twin super playmakers Alex Englot and Andrew Englot into the state tourney next week.

R.B. Headley/McCook Gazette

Coach Kris Freeland touts Ethan Latta as “the best freshman at least in D-1” while no doubts Kerchal can be the best beast of his class.

Plus don’t forget senior lockdown defender Corbin Horner. More on Thursday.

DC-S (51) — Jackson Kerchal 21 points, Alex Englot 14, Ethan Latta 10, Andrew Englot 6. Three-pointers: Kerchal, Andrew Englot. Rebound leaders: Kerchal 13, Andrew Englot 10, Latta 8, Horner 6. Assists: Alex Englot 4, Andrew Englot 3, Latta 3. Steals: Horner 4, Kerchal 3, Latta 3.