Playing in front of a spirited crowd of about 3,800 at Trent Arena, the Wildcats used tough defense and clutch free throws to upend the Jets, who were looking for their second trip to state and first since 1974.
Houston led by as many as 12 points in the second half, but F-M wouldn’t go away with Tyler Schrodi (20 points) outside and Van Spitler (13) inside.
Holding a 40-32 lead to start the fourth, the Wildcats (20-5) slowed the tempo and took advantage of the Jets’ need to stop the clock. F-M (24-2) sent Houston to the free-throw line often, namely Josh Redd.
The senior missed his first free throw to start the fourth, then rattled off 13 straight. He finished 18-of-20 from the line overall for most of his game-high 29 points.
As a team, Houston made good on 28-of-35 free throws. F-M hit 10-of-17.
“I let my mind free,” Redd said. “I try to keep it focused on the game and not let anything get to me. ... No worries.”
Jacob Benanzer added 19 points as he and Redd accounted for 11 of Houston’s 16 field goals and 22 of its free throws made.
Still, defense did it for the Wildcats. They held Spitler in check early and never trailed after the first 4:40 of the game to avenge a 52-47 loss Dec. 18.
Just how big was this win, the Wildcats’ first in three regional final tries? The party at the Trent was just the start. The team and fans were invited back to Houston High School to continue it there.
“Geez, that’s unimaginable, too,” Redd said of the celebration, “just like going to state.”
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