Thunder To First Sectional Final in 15 Years
The Seymour Thunder made up for two early season loses to West De Pere, by knocking off the Phantoms, and returning to Sectionals for the first time since 2002, with a 51-47 win Thursday in Kaukauna. The lead changed hands 14 times, but Seymour was able to hang on to their late lead, and Hailey Oskey and Jenna Krause secured the win from the free throw line.
“All of us kind of stepped up and took the shots we needed” said Oskey.
Oskey, who struggled from the field the first two meetings, started the night on fire with 11 points in the first half, making 4 of 5 from the field. The Phantoms tied the game twice in the first half, but the Thunder led 25-22.
“We got down early, but the kids kept their composure and found a way” said Seymour Coach Bobby Kuchta. “It helps to have some role players who bought in, stepped up and found their role on the team.”
“All of the adrenaline is pumping and you get goosebumps every time anything good happens” said Jenna Krause.
The Phantoms stayed with Seymour in the second half, tying the game twice, and taking the lead twice. Oskey and Jenna Krause were both 5 of 6 from the free throw line in the games final minutes. Oskey led the Thunder with 25 points, Krause had 15.
“After we lost to them for the second time, we were hoping we would see them again” said Junior Hailey Oskey. “Beating them in conference would have been nice, but getting the win really paid off.”
“We have worked so hard for this, it was nice to beat them” said Krause.
Seymour’s only two loses in Conference were to the Phantoms, but coach Kuchta said this Thunder team is different from the last time they met.
“From the beginning of the year I told the kids we would hit some bumps early” said Kuchta. “We have been closing the gap against these guys each time we faced them.”
Looking Ahead
The Seymour Thunder return to the Sectional Finals for the first time since 2002. Seymour will look to lock up their first ever trip to State as they take on top ranked Beaver Dam (26-0). The game will be Saturday at 1:00 at Neenah High School
“We will have our hands full with Beaver Dam” said Kuchta. “I told the kids, you get the job done tonight and we will help you for Saturday.” We don’t have much time to prepare for them, but we are playing confident so hopefully we can keep it going.
The Division 2 Sectional Final will be broadcast live on WOWN 99.3 FM.