Kevin Kuefler is counted on for leadership, and he provided it for the Jaguars against the Wildcats.
The senior guard scored six consecutive points after Goodhue pulled within three, seven minutes into the second half, leading the unbeaten and No. 1-ranked Jaguars (31-0) into the semifinals. They are the state’s only remaining unbeaten team.
“He’s been the go-to guy for us all year,” Jaguars coach Dave Montbriand said. “Any time we have needed a big basket he has come through.”
Kuefler’s spurt extended the Jaguars’ lead to 46-37 with 9 minutes, 15 seconds remaining. Goodhue never got closer than seven the rest of the way.
“I felt it slipping away,” said Kuefler, who finished with 22 points. “We had to step up and make some plays.”
Senior guard Ashton Erie had a game-high 23 points, 18 in the second half, for the unranked Wildcats (24-8).
No players stats available for Goodue.