C3D2: Saxony Lutheran downs Woodland to advance to championship

The #3 Saxony Lutheran Crusaders made it 14-straight wins as they knocked off the #2 Woodland Cardinals 81-63 in the Class 3 District 2 semifinals at Saxony Lutheran High School on Wednesday.

The Crusaders jumped out to a 15-10 lead after the first quarter and Saxony coach Justin Callahan credits the toughness of his team for their success.

“I saw a gritty performance,” Callahan said. “Woodland is just outstanding.”

Saxony would take a 29-22 lead entering the locker room at halftime.

“We got an early lead, got some confidence going and never looked back,” Callahan said.

The third quarter was where the Crusaders gained separation as they won the quarter 26-16 to lead 55-38 heading into the fourth quarter.

“We hit some three-pointers,” Callahan said. “In transition, we came down and pushed it and got some easy buckets and made some shots.”

Woodland would put up a fight in the fourth as they cut the lead to as little as 11 in the 4th quarter.

The Crusaders were able to control the rebounds across the entirety of the game.

“It seemed like every time the ball went up it seemed like (Luke Eggemeyer) was there,” Callahan said. “Aaron (Zoellner) chipped in as well. It was a team effort.”

Leading the way for Saxony Lutheran was Landon Ochs who had 21 points in the win. John Hartmann had 18 points, Aaron Zoellner had 14 points, Max Richey had 12 points, Luke Eggemeyer had 11 points and Owen Buchheit had 5 points.

Lane Vangennip led the way for Woodland with 23 points in the loss. Reed Layton had 16 points, Jarid Frymire had 9 points and Korbin Kinder had 4 points.

Woodland ends the season with a record of 21-7.

Saxony Lutheran (19-8) will take on Charleston at 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 24 in the Class 3 District 2 Championship at Saxony Lutheran High School.

“We’re going to have to play the game of our lives,” Callahan said. “We’re gonna have to find a way to handle the pressure. It’ll be a total team effort, kind of like tonight where it’s gonna take all five of us to help get the ball down the floor.”