(Casey Kaelin following the Providence state title victory)

The Pioneers of Providence used a dominant start the separate and then cruise to victory in the 2A state title game Saturday afternoon. They opened a 16 point margin and were never seriously challenged on their way to the first state title in school history.

Providence went right after Central Noble in the first eight minutes, as the Pioneers used a crisp offense to disect the Central Noble defense to the tune of 25 points. Junior wing Casey Kaelin led the Providence charge with nine points in the quarter and also set up his teammates with three helpers.

Central Noble was stiffled defensively, with Providence switching almost everything and keeping a body on Connor Essegian at all times. The Pioneers capitalized on every Central Noble mistake, shooting a blistering 71.4% from the field in the first eight minutes.

The Cougars would regain their footing in the early portion of the second quarter, as they slowly began with wittle down their massive deficit. The margin was nine, and Ryan Schroeder had a chance to cut into it even further, but he missed a pair at the free throw line, part of a 3-7 first half showing at the stripe for the Cougars.

Providence would score to make it an 11 point game, where their lead would stay entering halftime.

Central Noble began to string together some defensive stops at the beginning of the third quarter, but the Cougars also struggled to capitalize offensively, as turnovers and loose balls doomed any opportunity for them to make a comeback attempt. Providence was the quicker team all afternoon, as they won the rebounding battle, including 12 on the offensive end, and were able to beat Central Noble players to loose balls and take advantage of them.

The Pioneers were able to handle a Central Noble defense that allowed just over 43 points per game on the season. Casey Kaelin and Grant Williams were the beneficiaries, as they combined for 34 points in the victory.

Central Noble struggled to break Connor Essegian free from an equally impressive Providence defense. Essegian was met by switching and physical defenders wherever he went. The 6'4 Wisconsin signee went for a team-high 18 points but shot just 5-15 from the floor in doing so.

Providence was able to extend their lead to as many as 21 in the fourth quarter, and that advantage never went below double digits.

Casey Kaelin led the Pioneers with 21 points, and he was joined in double figures by Grant Williams and Quentin Hesse, who had 13 and 12 respectively.


Providence      25   6  13  18  -  62
Central Noble    9  11  11  18  -  49

Providence: Casey Kaelin 21 points (8/13 FGs, 1/3 3Ps, 4/7 FTs), 5 rebs, 3 asts; Grant Williams 13 points (5/11 FGs, 2/5 3Ps, 1/4 FTs), 6 rebs, 2 asts; Quentin Hesse 12 points (4/7 FGs, 3/5 3Ps, 1/2 FTs), 3 rebs, 2 blks; Max Beatty 4 points (1/4 FGs, 2/3 FTs), 2 rebs; Jaden Johnson 4 points (2/3 FGs), 2 rebs; Cade Carver 3 points (3/4 FTs), 3 rebs, 5 asts; Tyler Simmons 3 points (1/3 FGs, 1/2 FTs), 3 rebs, 2 asts; Grant Seebold 2 points (1/1 FGs)

Central Noble: Connor Essegian 18 points (5/15 FGs, 8/10 FTs), 6 rebs, 3 asts; Ryan Schroeder 12 points (4/6 FGs, 2/3 3Ps, 2/4 FTs), 4 rebs, 4 asts; Logan Gard 10 points (5/7 FGs), 8 rebs; Jackson Andrews 3 points (1/2 FGs, 1/2 FTs), 3 rebs; Connor Lemmon 3 points (1/7 3Ps); Aidan Dreibelbis 3 points (1/2 3Ps)