An all-out aerial assault by Pinckneyville in Saturday`s semifinals stunned Walther Lutheran 94-72 as the Panthers shot into the title game with the highest point total by a Class A team in the state finals.
The other finalist, Pana (27-3), got double-figure scoring from four players to advance with a 61-51 victory over St. Elmo (28-3).
In dealing Walther (30-4) its worst defeat of the season by far, Pinckneyville (32-2) broke out of a 14-14 tie by hitting 12 of 13 shots in a six-minute stretch, with all five starters contributing.
”Man, they don`t miss 15-foot jump shots,” said Walther coach Keith Peterson. ”They had five players that all looked the same, and they did the same things.
”They`re all tremendous passers, they`re all unselfish, and then they bring a kid off the bench that does the same things. That`s one of the best teams we`ve played. Can they shoot that well all the time?”
Pinckneyville, which shot 50 percent (35 for 70), actually did better for the season at 53 percent.
The keenest eye belonged to all-stater Barry Graskewicz, who scored 35 points. He shot 13 for 22, going 4 for 6 on 3-pointers.
A long-range shootout between Graskewicz and Walther All-Stater Brian Hill highlighted the first quarter. Graskewicz had 14 points on four 3-pointers and two free throws. Hill countered with 15 points, including three 3-pointers.
”This was one of Barry`s best games,” said Pinckneyville coach Dick Corn. ”He isn`t a great athlete, but he plays within his limitations and knows how to win.”
