It took an extra session but the Griswold Tigers advanced in Class 1A District 15 on Friday night 62-53 over Heartland Christian. It was a close game for most of the night so the finish was fitting.

Heartland Christian led at the end of the first quarter 18-14 but Griswold outscored the Eagles 12-3 in the second quarter to lead 26-21 at half. Griswold maintained a lead up until 3:30 left in the game. Anthony Roush hit a pair of free throws to tie the game at 40 and moments later Heartland Christian claimed the lead back 42-40. The Tigers responded and Kamron Brownlee completed a big three-point play with 1:16 left to put Griswold up 46=45. The Tigers got a couple free throws from Peyton Cook to lead 50-47 with :32 left. Colt Brennen then drilled a three with :13 left to force overtime.

The Tigers got a couple key buckets in the lane from Peyton Cook in the extra period and held the Eagles in check to grab the win. After the game Cook said it was a great experience.

Cook finished with 16 points to lead Griswold, Landon Pelzer added 14 and Kamron Brownlee added 12. The Tigers improved to 4-16 on the season.

Heartland Christian was led by 17 points apiece from Anthony Roush and Matt Stile. Griswold went to a box and one to try to slow Roush down after he scored 10 points by early second quarter. Griswold Coach Matthew Spunaugle was proud of the way the team handled the adjustments.

Roush and another teammate fouled out and Colton Brennan was injured in overtime for the Eagles, hampering their effort late. The Eagles end the season with an 8-12 record.

Griswold moves into the 1A District 15 Quarterfinals on Monday against AHSTW. We’ll have that game along with Riverside vs. Audubon on KJAN in Avoca on Monday night.