Spring Grove BBB Head Coach talks upcoming Section 1A Semifinal against Hayfield

The Lions lost their previous playoff game against Hayfield, 54-40 in 2022.

(ABC 6 News) — The Spring Grove Lions Boys Basketball team is on a collision course with two-time defending Class A champion Hayfield this Saturday.

The last playoff match these two teams had was the Section 1A quarterfinals a season ago. The Lions did their best to try and close in on the Vikings, but Hayfield overcame a dry spell to eliminate Spring Grove in the quarterfinals, 54-40.

While the Vikings aren’t the same team they’ve been the past season, they’re still going to put up a massive fight. Following Spring Grove’s Tuesday quarterfinal win over Randolph, head coach Wade Grinde spoke on how the team handles the increasing pressure and stakes that come in the playoffs.

“They’re used to the limelight and they know these pressure situations, they’re comfortable being uncomfortable,” Grinde stated.

“And we talked about that a lot, our defense will keep us in games and our timely offense will show up. Now we will play better offensively down the stretch. I thought we were really quick to the ball, we’re really handsy and even on a skip pass where they’re on the catch.”

“And when they do try to penetrate, we’re good off the drive as well and then when they pick up the basketball, we’re able to get tips and deflections. And this defense is really predicated on athletes and having the right personnel and this group of kids plays it very well.”

Tip-off between the Lions and Vikings is set for 1:30 PM on Saturday at the Mayo Civic Center.