Austin Packers Look to Win Section Championship in HC’s final season

(ABC 6 News) – The Austin Packers are playing some of their best basketball of the season, and it comes at the right time because every game now is win-or-go-home, which means any game could be head coach Kris Fadness’ last.

After a closely contested first half vs. Kasson Mantorville on Saturday, the Packers used a balanced scoring attack to overwhelm the Komets in the second half.

Jack Lang and Jared Lillemon knocked down a pair of three-pointers. Ater Manyuon scored 14 points, Cham Okey had 13 points and 5 rebounds, and Victor Idris had 12 points and 4 rebounds as Austin routed Kasson-Mantorville 71-39.

It was the curtain call of sorts for Fadness, as it was his final game coaching on a court where he has accumulated hundreds of victories.

"I’m just happy we won the game," Fadness said. "Obviously a little worried at halftime, it was a four-point game, but I like the way our kids played in the second half. We shot it much better. We’ve got a lot of alumni guys here tonight… makes me feel real good."

The Packers have won 7 of their last nine games, albeit it coming mainly on their home floor.

Their next game will be for the Section 1AAA championship game, where they will face Winona, a team they have already beaten twice this season.

Tip-off for that game will be Friday at 8 p.m. at the Mayo Civic Arena.