DeMotte Christian Knights

DeMotte Christian found a way to survive and advance on Tuesday night, emerging victorious from the Sectional 49 opener at Kouts. It was a slow start for the Knights, who led 28-22 at halftime, but a much cleaner second half propelled DMC to a 63-43 victory. Senior forward Gabe Rottier led the Knights in scoring with 15, continuing his stellar offensive play in this recent stretch, now averaging 11.5 points over the last ten games. Jayce Bultema added 13, and Luke Terpstra and Davis Peterson scored 9 each. The DeMotte Christian defense proved trustworthy once again, holding the Hawks to only 43 points, just under the Knights’ season average of 44.4 points allowed. This victory marks the Knights’ 17th of the season and 8th straight. More importantly, it earns them a spot in the semifinals, where they will meet Tri-Township on Friday at 6 pm, again at Kouts High School. DMC will hope to repeat its regular season triumph over the Tigers, who have yet to play a postseason game themselves. After that game, Morgan Township will meet Kouts, who defeated Washington Township on Tuesday. The winner of each semifinal will, of course, clash in the sectional championship on Saturday night at 7:00. -Luke Zylstra