The MSHSAA, Class 3, Sectional was played at Truman State University on the Pershing Arena Basketball Court on Wednesday, March 2, 2022. The Mid-Buchanan Dragons, 21-6, were the home team against the 20-8 Milan Wildcats. Mid-Buchanan was the District 16 Champions.
The much taller and more seasoned Dragons jumped out early and the Wildcats, try as they may, could not overcome the huge deficit. Mid-Buchanan advanced with a 49-33 victory over the Milan Wildcats.
Milan had a sweet season, more successful than all the preseason predictions. A 20 win season was full of excitement. The tenacious defense caused havoc for so many competitors. It was the first time in school history that both girls and boys won District Championship the same year and both squads recorded 20 wins this season.
Milan won the opening tip and Chekh Niasse put the Wildcats in front 2-0. The Wildcats last lead was 4-2 on a short jumper by Jeremy Bennett. The Dragons scored the last 10 points of the quarter to lead 19-6 after 1 quarter. The Dragons’ 6’4” Senior, Calden Bailey was smoking hot drilling 4, 3-pointers and 16 first quarter points.
The second quarter saw the Dragons continue to score, reeling off 8 straight for a commanding 27-6 advantage. The Wildcats could not find an answer and 2 of 7 from the free throw line really hurt. Milan trailed 32-10 at intermission.
Halftime adjustments were made, and the Wildcats cut into the huge deficit, but still trailed 36-22 after 3 quarters. Chekh had 5 points, Michael Pipes a trey, Jeremy and Ahmet Niasse chipped in 2 apiece.
The fourth quarter had Milan draw within 13, but the Dragons would not cave in. The Wildcats fought hard to the end but too much power to overcome.
Ahmet Niasse led Milan with 9 points, 4 rebounds; Chekh Niasse 8 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 6 steals; Jeremy Bennett 7 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block shot; Michael Pipes 5 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal; Jared Gonzalez 2 points, 4 rebounds, 1 steal; Brady Sayre 2 points; Nathan Keck 1 rebound; Jarrett Courtney 1 rebound.
