Joel Awich hit a lay-up with 36.2 seconds remaining to give Tartan the lead for good, as the Titans rallied for a 62-59 victory over Seymour (Wisc.) in the 5th annual Border Battle at St. Cloud Tech High School Saturday afternoon.  Sophomore guard Xavier Hall drove into the paint and drew defenders before dishing to Awich for the winner.

Tartan (15-1, No. 2AAAA) received strong play from both of its sophomore guards, Hall (10 points) and Darrion Strong (a team-high 15 points).  They were instrumental in overcoming a double-digit second-half deficit, creating offense with their quick penetration. 

"It just kind of changed the energy for us," said Tartan coach Mark Klingsporn, who extended his defense in the second half and created more open court for his playmakers.

Awich also added 14 points and Drew and Luke Preiner had nine points each.  Drew Preiner sat out much of the first half with two fouls.

The Titans came out of the gates quick, outscoring Seymour (14-2, No. 2 DII) 22-8 midway through the first half.  But the Thunder took control from their, using a 20-5 spurt to take a 28-27 halftime lead and extending it to double-digits after intermission.

"We couldn't keep up the pressure, but in the second half we came out hard and came up with the win," said Strong. 

Seniors Calahan Skogman (25 points) and Phil Romback (20) made a potent inside-outside combination for the Thunder.  Skogman used a combination of a quick pull-up jumper and physical force to create his shot, while Romback used his 6-foot-7 frame. 

"We get a signature win that's going to help us when sections come around," said Klingsporn.  "When it's a close game and you need to make a play down the stretch, that's key in the sections."

Darrion Strong, Tartan
Strong, a 6-foot sophomore guard, scored a team-high 15 points to lead Tartan to a 62-59 victory over Seymour.  His quickness on the penetration and willingness to dish to open teammates was key in the Titans' second-half rally from a double-digit deficit.

Score by half:
Tartan 27-35--62
Seymour 28-31--59

Tartan: Strong 15, Awich 14, Hall 10, D. Preiner 9, L. Preiner 9, Schmid-Pauli 3, Burns 2.

Seymour: Skogman 25, Romback 20, Rottier 9, Hornick 3, Cohen 2.

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Please check back tomorrow for galleries on that site, or contact Tim at tim@BreakdownSportsUSA.com