Friday’s semifinal games for the TVL boys’ tournament saw a couple of close finishes. The first game saw the four-seed Axtell defeated the top-seed Clifton-Clyde 51-44. The second semifinal was a thrilling finish with the two-seed Blue Valley defeating the six-seed Hanover 52-50.

Axtell got off to a quick start with senior guard Isaac Detweiler scoring five first quarter points. This helped them get up 12-8.

Their defense shut down Clifton-Clyde in the second quarter allowing just five points to grow their lead 26-13. Sophomore guard Eli Broxterman nailed a couple of three-pointers to contribute to their hot start.

Axtell held the lead steady in the third quarter, but it started to slip in the fourth quarter after they made just one field goal in the first four minutes.

Broxterman was the only Axtell player to make a field goal in the final quarter, but they made ten free throws as a team to hold off Clifton-Clyde’s comeback attempt. They were led by sophomore guard Jack Skocny, who scored eight points in the fourth quarter.

Broxterman finished with 17 points making him the “Player to Bank On” brought to you by Farmers State Bank. Detweiler scored 14 points as well.

For Clifton-Clyde, Skocny ended up with 16 points and sophomore Oliver Nobert made three threes to finish with 11 points.

Axtell will play Blue Valley in the championship game on Saturday at approximately 6:30 p.m.

Coverage of the TVL Tournament has been made possible by Highland Community College, Bendena State Bank/Bank of Highland, SBS Insurance, M & R Auto Parts, Blue Valley Technologies, Koch and Co., Wanklyn Oil Company, Elmers Repair and Supply, First National Bank Frankfort, Hilltop Creations, and B and D Buildings.