By Lance Losh @LanceLosh

The Boone boys pulled off the upset over Adel-Desoto-Minburn in the district semi-final on Monday and have a huge district final matchup against the Perry Bluejays on Thursday in Johnston. The teams will take the court amid controversy surrounding both student sections and the environment is sure to be raucous.
Offensively, the main key for Boone is to not get sped up by Perry’s half court pressure. Perry specializes in running a 1-1-3 zone with traps occurring frequently. The Toreadors need to be strong with the basketball and not give in to the pressure. Another key for Boone is rebounding. In the two previous meetings between the two foes, junior Janier Puente has had no difficulty pulling down offensive rebounds and has controlled the glass. Sophomore John Herrick and junior Lane Losh need to take charge and keep him from securing offensive rebounds. Junior Ethan Lewis snagged 6 rebounds in the district semi final and has improved his rebounding ability vastly. On the road, Perry averages 6 points less per game. If Boone can score in the mid 60s, then they will have a great chance to win the game.
Defensively, the Toreadors need to find a way to stop Perry’s high powered offense. The Bluejays are led by senior Shammond Ivory who averages 22.3 points per game. He will shoot it from anywhere in the gym. Boone can’t allow him to drive into the lane and convert layups. If they can keep him in the mid range to 3 point area he will shoot much worse compared to layups. Something that could help Boone down the stretch in this game is Perry’s free throw shooting. Junior Janier Puente seldom makes free throws and shoots a horrendous 46 percent on the season from the line. Senior Ryan Rathje shoots free throws at a 55 percent clip. If Puente gets near the rim, the Toreadors should not hesitate to commit a clean, hard foul and make him hit free throws.
The Boone Boys basketball team has an opportunity to win a district championship tonight. Make the drive to Johnston High School to witness history. Tip is at 7 PM and the theme is neon night.
Offensively, the main key for Boone is to not get sped up by Perry’s half court pressure. Perry specializes in running a 1-1-3 zone with traps occurring frequently. The Toreadors need to be strong with the basketball and not give in to the pressure. Another key for Boone is rebounding. In the two previous meetings between the two foes, junior Janier Puente has had no difficulty pulling down offensive rebounds and has controlled the glass. Sophomore John Herrick and junior Lane Losh need to take charge and keep him from securing offensive rebounds. Junior Ethan Lewis snagged 6 rebounds in the district semi final and has improved his rebounding ability vastly. On the road, Perry averages 6 points less per game. If Boone can score in the mid 60s, then they will have a great chance to win the game.
Defensively, the Toreadors need to find a way to stop Perry’s high powered offense. The Bluejays are led by senior Shammond Ivory who averages 22.3 points per game. He will shoot it from anywhere in the gym. Boone can’t allow him to drive into the lane and convert layups. If they can keep him in the mid range to 3 point area he will shoot much worse compared to layups. Something that could help Boone down the stretch in this game is Perry’s free throw shooting. Junior Janier Puente seldom makes free throws and shoots a horrendous 46 percent on the season from the line. Senior Ryan Rathje shoots free throws at a 55 percent clip. If Puente gets near the rim, the Toreadors should not hesitate to commit a clean, hard foul and make him hit free throws.
The Boone Boys basketball team has an opportunity to win a district championship tonight. Make the drive to Johnston High School to witness history. Tip is at 7 PM and the theme is neon night.