The unseeded Cardinals spent much of the game passing and passing around the perimeter, waiting for an open look or a lapse in the Eskomos’ zone.

Annandale’s performance was not fast or high-scoring, nor was it flashy. But you know what they say about slow and steady.

Their patience paid off against third-seeded Esko, winning 52-40 behind 19 points from Jarod Wilken and 12 from Brad Weege.

“In practice, I’m hard on them about discipline,” Cardinals coach Skip Dolan said. “I’m hard on them about keeping their composure, staying strong with the basketball. And we thrive on getting high-percentage shots.”

The game was tied at 19 at halftime and remained close for much of the second half, but after Annandale (26-5) scored a few unanswered baskets, Esko was forced out of its zone and moved to a smaller lineup. The problem for the Eskomos (27-4) was they were never able to find a scoring rhythm. Isaak Blue led Esko with 14 points, but Esko shot only 35 percent from the field and was 2-for-20 on threes compared to Annandale’s 49-percent mark overall.

The Annandale Cardinals spent much of Wednesday’s Class 2A quarterfinal passing and passing around the perimeter, waiting for an open look or a lapse in Esko’s zone.

The Cardinals' performance was not fast or high-scoring, nor was it flashy. But you know what they say about slow and steady.

Unseeded Annandale’s patience paid off in the form of a 52-40 victory against third-seeded Esko behind 19 points from Jarod Wilken and 12 from Brad Weege. 

The game was tied at 19 at halftime and remained close for much of the second half, but after Annandale (26-5) scored a few unanswered baskets, Esko was forced out of its zone. The problem for the the Eskomoes (27-4) was they were never able to find a scoring rhythm. Isaak Blue led Esko with 14 points, but Esko shot only 35 percent from the field and was 2-of-20 from 3 compared to Annandale’s 49-percent mark overall.

Annandale will face Jackson Country Central in the 3A semifinals Thursday at 8 p.m. at Target Center.