Solon rallies to upset No. 5 Washington in 3A boys’ basketball substate semifinals

WASHINGTON — Things looked bleak for the Solon boys’ basketball team at halftime of Friday’s substate semifinal at No. 5 Washington, but the Spartans slowly and steadily turned things around.

Solon chipped, chipped and chipped some more at Washington's 25-15 halftime advantage, and never stopped, eventually pulling out a 48-44 overtime victory.

“We got stops, and we got timely baskets,” Solon head coach Jared Galpin said. “That's just what we do.”

The Spartans cut the lead to five points after three quarters, and even held a short-lived lead, but as regulation wound down, the Spartans and Demons were tied 39-39.

Washington had a shot to win it at the end of the fourth. The Demons held the ball for the final minute, but a stingy Solon defense never let the Demons get up a shot.

“That's just kind of who we are,” Galpin said. “We're not necessarily the flashiest team, and we're not going to light you up offensively. We're going to guard.”

The Spartans took a 42-39 lead early in the extra period when sophomore Jake Benzing splashed a 3-pointer from the top of the key. Washington never led again.

“He's fearless when it comes to shooting the basketball,” Galpin said. “His 3 to start the overtime was huge.”

Benzing scored 13 points to lead Solon. Kinnick Pusteoska had eight points, and Jake Quillin added seven.

Washington's Kasen Bailey went for 17 points. Lucas Kroll added 10, but no other Demon scored five.

Solon (15-9) moves on to Monday's substate final in Mount Vernon against DeWitt Central (17-6). Washington ends its season at 19-4.