Valparaiso advances to Chesterton sectional title game with 49-39 semifinal victory over Hobart

Valparaiso advances to Chesterton section title game with 49-39 semifinal victory over Hobart


Tom Keegan
Onwardtrojans.com

Valparaiso senior forward Dayvon Williams came off the bench to spark his team with six big second-quarter points, enabling the Vikings to build a 15-point halftime lead on the way to a 49-39 Chesterton sectional semifinal victory over Hobart.
Fueled by The Brickies (13-10) mounted a serious third-quarter comeback and on the strength of forcing turnovers and junior guard Paxson Hicko burying a pair of 3-pointers and trimmed the deficit to 38-34 heading into the final period.
Valpo junior post player Maddux Wagner, who spent much of the game on the bench in foul trouble, showed how valuable he is when he returned to the court in the fourth quarter. His multiple blocked shots played a huge part in the Vikings surrendering only five fourth-quarter points.
Senior point guard La’Von Redmond led the Vikings with 13 points and shooting guard JJ Jankowski added 10 points. Ryan Basham (12) points and Hicko (11) were Hobart’s top scorers.
With the win, Valparaiso (14-11) avenged a 65-54 loss to Hobart on Feb. 10 and will look to do the same Saturday in the 6 p.m. championship game.
Merrillville and Chesterton both defeated Valpo during the season.