Creek Valley Rolls Past Potter-Dix To Advance To Finals

The number one seeded Creek Valley Storm defeated the number four seed Potter-Dix Coyotes 59-25 in the first round of the D2-12 Subdistrict boy's basketball tournament held at the Cabela's Athletic facility at Sidney High School Tuesday night. The Storm (10-10) head to the finals on Thursday where they take on the Leyton Warriors who advanced by defeating the Minatare Indians in double overtime 49-44.

Potter-Dix (2-16) had struggled all season, especially with turnovers, and were unable to find any answers to Creek Valley's strong defense and fast paced offensive attack. The Coyotes needed to limit their turnovers if they were to have any shot against the Storm, and they were successful in that regard only turning the ball over 16 times, but were unable to stop Creek Valley's offense while struggling to put up points when they had their opportunities.

Creek Valley started fast putting up 13 points, six from three point range, in the first period to Potter-Dix's five points which were all scored by Coyote senior Dylan Nielsen. The Storm then went on a tear in the second period, putting up 25 points to the Coyotes five, giving Creek Valley an insurmountable 38-10 lead going into the half. The second quarter featured a well-balanced offensive attack by the Storm, with five players scoring in the period.

The third quarter was a much tighter contest, as the Coyotes defense was able to slow the Storm's offensive outbursts, but the Coyotes were only able to score 10 points against the Storms 12, and Potter-Dix fell further behind. With the victory in hand, Creek Valley cruised through the final eight minutes scoring nine points against the Coyote's five to end the game with the 59-25 victory. The Storm had three players score in double digits, with junior Sam Grabowski leading the way with 16 points and seven rebounds while junior Tanner Crass had 13 points and 10 rebounds on the night. Potter-Dix senior Dylan Nielsen, in his final high school basketball game, scored 12 points to lead the Coyotes.

Creek Valley was scheduled to face Leyton in the finals on Thursday night at the Cabela's Athletic Center in Sidney High School. The Storm faced the Warriors earlier this month in Dalton, coming away with a 52-39 victory, looking for their first District title since 2007.