The last five games Tolsia struggled at the beginning of games, but that was not a problem Tuesday as the Rebels scored three seconds into the game when Gavin Meadows scored off the opening tip like he was shot out of a cannon and the Rebels were off and running.
Tolsia Senior Jacob Mollette, who was held scoreless in the final regular season loss at Fairview, scored 10 points on 2 three pointers as the Rebels led 22-11 after one period.
In the second quarter Tolsia extended their lead out to 15 points and led 39-24 at the break behind 14 first half points from Austin Salmons.
In the second half the Rebels stretched the lead out to 23 points at one time and were never threatened.
Salmons poured in a career high 27 points, Mollette finished with 15 points, Gavin Meadows tallied 9 points, Tyler Johnson hit 2 three pointers for 6 points, Zack Ball netted 6 points off the bench, Rob Cantrell 4 points, Braxton Williams and Jesse Muncy chipped in with 2 points each.
THS hit 4 three pointers and went 17-25 from the charity stripe.
Buffalo was led by Nate Gibson with 21 points, Alec Hanshaw and David Whittington tallied 8 points each, Noah Thompson 6 points, Drew Clendenin 4 points and Adam Slaman 3 points.
BHS hit 4 three pointers and went 8-12 from the line.
BHS 11 13 17 9 = 50
THS 22 17 17 15 = 71
Tolsia will play heated Rival #2 seed Tug Valley Friday night at Rebel Arena Game Time is 7:00. The Panthers defeated #3 Van 67-47 in the other Semifinal.
The Rebels swept the regular season series with Tug Valley 44-41 at home and 75-70 in OT on the road.
Tolsia Head Coach Todd Maynard
“… Extremely happy with our effort against Buffalo, we had big layoff and I was worried about that for sure. We went hard in practice and the guys came out ready to play. I thought we set the tone right off the bat with Gavin stealing the opening tip and we were off from the tip.”
“… Jacob Mollette was lights out in the first quarter he hit two big three pointers to lead us. He is our captain and has been the last two years. Their is a thing called Senioritis and he isn’t ready to be done. We have had some long talks and he is so competitive and want to win so bad.”
“… I thought Austin Salmons played is best game of his career tonight, We need he would get some opportunities and took advantage big time, he even knocked down some 15 footers.”
“… Our defense was really good and that started with Gavin Meadows he is our best defender, he is aggressive and will not back down from the challenge.
“… Friday night will be a madhouse here in Rebel Arena when Tug Valley comes in. We are the best two teams in the Section and I’m glad this will be at home. You better get here early and get in your seat. This is a Basketball area and our fans are awesome and have been all year. Our kids play an exciting style and it is fun to watch.”
