Waubay-Summit didn’t lead for much of the game, but led when it mattered most Friday night at the Aberdeen Civic Arena. The Mustangs surged ahead down the stretch and slipped past Warner 53-51 in Region 1B boys’ basketball action, securing a spot in next week’s SoDak 16.

“Our region is loaded with really good coaches and the one I coached against tonight is one of the best in the state,” said Waubay-Summit Coach Mark Amdahl referring to Warner Coach Derek Hoellein. “He had his kids prepared. Our kids made plays when they needed to.”

The Monarchs led by six heading into the final period, but could never shake Waubay-Summit.

Eventually the Mustangs pulled even at 47-47 with 4:53 remaining. The two teams traded baskets before Damon Opdahl put Waubay-Summit ahead to stay with two free throws with 2:49 left. Jon Johnston added two more foul shots to extend the lead to four with 12 seconds left.

Warner scored with four seconds left to close to within two, and missed a last-second attempt following a missed Waubay-Summit free throw.

“They’re so disciplined in everything they do on both sides of the ball. They don’t turn the ball over very much,” Amdahl said of the Monarchs. “When they do make a mistake, they don’t follow it up with another mistake, so then we don’t capitalize on a lot of their mistakes. They’re just a well coached team.”

In the end, the Mustangs had what it took to keep their season alive and eliminate Warner.

“We just played our game. When we share the ball we play the best,” said Waubay-Summit senior Colby Rumpza. “Get it to the post, he goes to work, kick it out, we hit a three. That’s our brand.”

Rumpza led a balanced scoring attack for the Mustangs with 14 points. Four other players scored at least seven.

Hunter Cramer paced Warner with 17 points and Peyton Jung added 10.

Waubay-Summit (16-5) now heads to the SoDak 16 on Tuesday.

“It’s amazing,” Rumpza said. “It’s the best feeling.”

Amdahl was happy for his players, who have not advanced this far into the post season since 1990.

“We’re moving on. Our boys deserve it. It’s been a long time coming,” Amdahl said. “All the hard work that they’ve done. I’ve had fun sitting back and watching them play this year.”

WAUBAY-SUMMIT: Damon Opdahl 2 2-4 8, Colby Rumpza 5 2-2 14, Jon Johnston 1 4-4 7, J Gulbraa 4 0-1 9, Skyelar Strang 2 1-3 7, Carson Schmidt 1 0-0 2, Sonny Marquardt 3 0-2 8. Totals 18 9-16 53.

WARNER: Landon Leidholt 2 0-0 4, Alex Braun 3 0-2 8, Ty Cramer 0 4-8 4, Hunter Cramer 6 5-10 17, Peyton Jung 4 0-1 10, Trekk Hannahs 2 0-0 6, Chase Braun 1 0-2 2. Totals 18 9-23 51.

Waubay-Summit 11 22 38 53

Warner 13 23 44 51

3-point field goals – Opdahl 2, Rumpza 2, Johnston, Gulbraa, Strang 2; A. Braun 2, Jung 2, Hannahs 2. Fouled out – Seth Gaikowski; A. Braun. Total fouls – Waubay-Summit 17; Warner 17.