This was Zach Wessels’ team. A two-time state tournament veteran, Austin’s stellar senior guard had led the Packers to the big show for a third consecutive season, this time without the help of the 6-foot-7 Aase boys, Tom and Joe.

So when the Packers’ seemingly comfortable 16-point second half lead over Alexandria sprung a leak Wednesday at Williams Arena, it was Wessels who calmed them down.

Austin let Alexandria get as close as one point, then held off the Cardinals and pulled out a 61-50 victory. 

Austin (27-3) won a first-round game for the second consecutive year — the 2013 Packers lost to DeLaSalle in the Class 3A finals —mostly due to the heady play of Wessels, who had 23 points, three rebounds and a pair of key steals.

“That’s all part of leadership,” Wessels said. “It’s not letting the team get scared and staying composed.”

For the first 20 minutes of play, Alexandria looked much like the game-but-overmatched team that started the season 4-8. But the Cardinals turned up the pressure defense and began chipping away at the Austin lead, getting as close as 43-42 with 8:24 remaining in the second half.

The Cardinals spent so much energy coming back, however, they had little left to get over the hump. Fouls began to mount, Austin began making free throws — the Packers final 14 points came from the line — and the game was decided.

“When Alex made its run, we started running our plays, knowing we’d get fouled,” said Austin coach Kris Fadness. “And we’re a good shooting team.”

JIM PAULSEN

Austin watched a 16-point second-half lead dwindle to just point, but held off hard-charging Alexandria for a 61-50 victory Wednesday at Williams Arena.

Zach Wessels scored 23 points for Austin, which improved to 27-3 and advanced to the Class 3A semifinals for the second consecutive season.

Alexandria finished 15-12.

Check back later for more on the game.