Upset-minded Shelby nearly found their way to Districts as a number 10 seed but #3 Vermilion would cut down the nets at Bucyrus as sectional champs with a 61-56 victory over the Whippets.

 

The Sailors led wire to wire, taking a 21-18 advantage into the second quarter and extended their lead to 34-29 by the break. Sophomore forward T.J. Pugh was red hot from the field for Shelby, though, pouring in a game-best 29 points to keep the score tight throughout the contest.

 

Behind Mason Mongomery’s 24 points and teammate Reese Miller adding 21, Vermilion would open up a 13 point cushion near the end of the third quarter before the Whippets began to chip away at the deficit. Shelby would trim the margin down to a single possession game at 58-56 in the final minute of play, but could not finish off another tournament upset.

 

Vermilion (18-5) will next take on 4th-seeded Mansfield Senior (19-4) in the Mansfield District Semifinals.