Bellevue stops G-R's state hopes

TIFFIN – Gladbrook-Reinbeck boys basketball was on the doorstep of the state tournament once more on Saturday night at Clear Creek Amana High School.

But a charmed postseason for Bellevue continued to break the Comets' way, and the Rebels were left on the outside looking in after a 58-54 Bellevue victory in overtime of a 1A-4 substate final.

Bellevue qualified for the 1A tournament at 13-12, entering the postseason with a losing record before upending several quality clubs like Easton Valley, Springville and, eventually, the Rebels.

G-R led with under a minute to go but Bellevue scored five quick points to force G-R to find a William Kiburis bucket to force overtime at 47-47.

Kiburis led the Rebels with 22 points, 12 rebounds and five assists. Caleb Egesdal added 17 points and Tristen Sanford-Anders had eight points and seven rebounds. G-R took half their shots from beyond the arc on Saturday against Bellevue's zone, making 25 percent of them, including five 3-pointers for Egesdal.

Saturday was the final game for seniors Tristen Sanford-Anders and Drake Blakesley as G-R's season ends at 23-2 - the remainder of the young Rebels will be favored to make another run at a spot in Des Moines next season.

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CENTER POINT – Tristen Sanford-Anders helped Gladbrook-Reinbeck dominate the boards in the Rebels’ 52-42 win over Alburnett in last Tuesday’s district final at Center Point-Urbana High School.

Sanford-Anders grabbed 19 rebounds, including eight off the offensive glass, and scored 18 points with three blocked shots. William Kiburis poured in 21 points with nine rebounds and four steals.

G-R led 26-19 at halftime and finished with 41 total rebounds.