Andover Central downs Paola in Kansas 4A Division I boys third-place game

Paola had a definite advantage in the lane during its Kansas Class 4A Division I boys third-place game on Saturday.

Paola starts seniors Mason McDow and Alex Wilson — both 6-foot-7 — while 6-5 Tanner Moala comes off the bench. Andover Central, though, has no player taller than 6-3.

Yet, Andover Central outrebounded Paola 33-29 and consistently was able to drive inside the lane on the way to an 81-70 victory.

“It doesn’t take anything away from anything else,” said Paola coach Dave Cash, whose team finished 21-4. “It’s been a very successful season. We couldn’t ask anything more of our eight seniors. It just so happens we didn’t get the job done today.”

McDow scored a game-high 26 points and had 12 rebounds, making 12-of-22 shots from the field. Paola guard Justin Criddle added 24 points, including four three-pointers.

Paola got within 70-65 when Kyle Wokutch hit a three-pointer with 2:24 left in the game. Andover Central’s Cole Taylor made six-of-six free throws in the game’s final 51 seconds.

Andover Central was led by seniors Darraja Parnell (25 points) and Jordan Birch (16).

This story was originally published March 12, 2016 at 5:04 PM with the headline "Andover Central downs Paola in Kansas 4A Division I boys third-place game."