Wayland defeated O-K Gold Conference rival Grand Rapids South Christian for the third time this season, and this third time was the most difficult, in the opening round of the Class B district basketball tournament at Wyoming Godwin Heights.

Three Wayland players scored at least 20 points apiece to lead the Wildcats to 72-62 victory that was closer that the final score indicated. The Sailors crept to within two points, 64-62, with just 48 seconds left in the ballgame. But senior point guard Dilon Aten came up with clutch free throw shooting down the stretch and sophomore guard Avery Hudson came up with a steal and lay-in.

Wayland, riding great shooting from Hudson, got off to a terrific start, taking a 21-9 advantage in the first quarter, but the Sailors played them evenly the rest of the way. The Wildcats led 35-25 at the half and 55-44 after three periods.

Hudson scored 11 points in the first quarter alone and finished the night with 21. Hudson drilled five three-point field goals and Aten added the other.

Aten led the ‘Cats with 23 points and 6-9 senior pivot Lacey James had 22 and sophomore Avery Hudson added 21.

Jon Wassink, better known as an all-state quarterback, swished four three-pointers and collected 26 points for individual scoring honors. Evan Beukema and Ty Brinks both counted nine points. South Christian did not shoot a free throw in the entire second half while Wayland went into the bonus with 7:34 left in the fourth period.

The Sailors finished their season with an 11-10 overall record. Wayland, now 18-3 overall, will face Grand River Prep at 5 p.m. Wednesday evening in the semifinals. Host Godwin and Kelloggsville will meet in the other semifinal contest at 7 p.m.

PHOTO: Dilon Aten (3) chases down the basketball while teammate Mitchell Dykstra (24) looks on. Aten’s free throws were what the doctor ordered in the last 48 seconds of Wayland’s 72-62 victory over South Christian Monday night. (Photo courtesy Kenny Ritz)