With 4:08 to play, the Shoes were on top 35-33. They didn’t allow another point the rest of the way.

James Niebrugge hit a short jumper at the 2:14 mark and Dylan Pruemer and Brenda Niebrugge both made a pair of foul shots in the final 52 seconds to secure the victory and guarantee another game – the ultimate goal during every postseason.

“This was a total team effort tonight, but that bucket by Jimmer was huge,” Reeder noted. “He continues to gain more confidence and grow as a player. It’s been fun to watch.

“Our senior leadership also stepped up tonight,” Reeder added. “Max gets us set up for everything we do and had a strong game. Dylan hit a couple big shots and those rebounds by Mitch (Althoff) were huge. Seniors tend to find a different gear this time of year.”

The Explorers like to control the tempo and prefer a slower pace. That was evident from the very beginning. Each of their possessions were lengthy ones.

Alton’s Parker Macias connected on a pair of threes and Owen Williams scored right before the buzzer to give the Explorers an 8-7 lead after the first eight minutes.

The pace was much the same in the second quarter. James Niebrugge had a three-point play and also scored after grabbing an offensive rebound, but those were the only five points T-Town scored. Williams had a three-point play and Macias made a three-pointer in the final minute to send the Explorers to the locker room with a 16-12 advantage at intermission.

Brendan Niebrugge opened the second half with a three, but the Explorers got eight points from Braden Kline and Williams then converted a THS turnover into a layup to take their biggest lead of the game, 26-19, midway through the third period.

But from that point, the Shoes were in control, going on a 22-7 surge over the game’s final 12 minutes.

Caleb Siemer hit a pair of free throws to get things going. Pruemer hit a short jumper, Siemer added another bucket and Pruemer delivered again, this time from behind the arc, to get T-Town even, 28-28, as the third quarter ended. Brendan Niebrugge and Max Niebrugge then opened the final period with their scores, capping the 14-2 run.

“Our guys showed so much grit and guts,” Reeder said. “They just keep playing hard. I love these guys.”

The Explorers, who finished their season 19-13, got 10 points from Williams.

James Niebrugge led a balanced THS scoring attack with 11 points. Brendan Niebrugge and Max Niebrugge both scored eight, while Pruemer had seven and Siemer added six. The Shoes made 14-of-40 shots overall, a 35 percent clip. They were 4-for-15 from three-point range and 9-for-12 from the foul line. They held a 19-9 rebounding advantage and only turned the ball over eight times.

With that 10-game winning streak, T-Town is now 25-7 on the year. The Shoes will now play for the sectional championship Friday night at Flora. They will face either Mt. Carmel or Pana. Game time will be 7 p.m.

“No matter who we play, it will be a good team,” Reeder noted. “We’re thrilled for the opportunity to be playing in March. And we’re thrilled with the support we’re receiving. Our crowd tonight was a game-changer. And I imagine they’ll be back Friday.”