Mora advances to Section 6AA semi-finals

The final game in the gym brought out some memories from those who came to witness some Mora history. Dave Sawyer, Mora’s PA announcer, beautifully articulated some memories and facts during a halftime speech: “Tonight’s game is the final Mora sporting event to be held on this floor. The first season for volleyball, wrestling and basketball was for the 1977-1978 school year. This season concludes the 45th year in this gym. When it was built, there was no other gym this large for many miles around, and it was often used for other playoff games and events through the years besides the Mustangs. There have been volleyball, wrestling and girls basketball teams from this gym that went on to the state tournament. There are currently eight girl 1,000 point scorers that played in this gym, six boy 1,000 point scorers who played in this gym and a 2,000 point scorer as well. There have been over 30 Mora wrestlers that have participated at state, plus many that have earned the 100 win club awards in this gym.” 

Dave continued on to say, “This is my 571st game of announcing Mora basketball games in this gym, and we all know changes come. But let’s celebrate the rich history of  this special place, and always hang onto the 

memories for the rest of your life.” 

Mora jumped on Holdingford early and often, quickly suffocating any chances for a major upset. Mora took a 37-16 lead into halftime and breezed their way to a 68-39 victory. Mora had two players in double digits. Gage Braiedy led all scorers with 19 points and right behind him was Max Sampson with 12 points. Mora’s starting lineup and bench did a great job of contributing in the win, with 10 total players scoring. 

“I loved it,” said senior Jonah Smart. “It was probably one of the largest crowds that I’ve played for on our home court, and I think it was very special to be able to play the last game ever in that gym. I saw lots of Mora alumni that had played in that gym in high school, and I hope they enjoyed the game.”

With the win, Mora advanced to the next round in a matchup versus Melrose. Mora shot 48.8% from the field and cashed in 15 points off of turnovers and 11 second chance points. Those points came from Max Sampson and Gage Braiedy combining for seven deflections (team had 11 total) and five steals between them. Gage Braiedy led all scorers with 17 points. Dallas Fix scored 14 and grabbed seven rebounds, while Jonah Smart went two for four from behind the arch, giving the Mustangs 11 points. 

The win advanced the Mustangs to the Section 6AA semi-final game versus Milaca (22-6), who beat the reigning champions, Annandale Cardinals (15-12), 46-34. The game starts at 7:30 p.m. at St. John’s University. Mora and Milaca split the season series. Mora won in double overtime at Milaca on Jan. 13, and Milaca beat the Mustangs 65-52 on Feb. 17. The winner between Milaca and Mora will face the winner of Albany (27-1) and Sauk Centre (21-7), which tips off at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 15, at St. John’s University.