The Sartell Sabres boys’ basketball team had a rousing send-off Tuesday when they headed out for the state championship tournament in the Twin Cities. It is the Sabres’ first time at a state tourney.
The school gave the players a lively pep rally in the gymnasium before they left for Minneapolis at 6 p.m. Tuesday.
As of Newsleader presstime Wednesday, the team lost 70-55 to DeLaSalle, ending their chances to advance.
The Sabres propelled themselves into state competition March 14 in a suspenseful, squeak-through 57-55 victory over the Fergus Falls Otters in Halenbeck Hall on the St. Cloud State University campus. That game was the Section 8-3A championship.
At the culmination of what had been a virtually tied game all through, a breathtaking last moment clinched the Sabres’ victory when Tim Immelman, with time running out, plunked the ball into the basket, causing fans to erupt in joyous jubilation. Just seconds earlier, a distant shot attempt by Patrick Fischer had missed the basket, but Immelman, who was near the hoop, recovered the ball and quickly made the winning basket.
The Sabres are led by coach Dave Angell. For more about Wednesday’s results and reactions, see the March 29 Sartell Newsleader.
