TICKET PUNCHED: Concord gets schools first ever trip to the Breslin Center with a win over Colon

Concord's Connor Stevens Celebrates as his team punches their ticket to the Breslin Photo by Brady Triemstra

With a trip to the Breslin Center on the line, Colon and Concord delivered a physical, defensive battle Tuesday night. Neither program had ever reached the Breslin Center before, and with both teams entering the matchup at 22–4, the stakes were clear — a spot in the Division 4 Final Four. The game opened with both teams trading early baskets. Colon’s No. 1 got things started with a layup, while Concord answered by drawing a foul and converting one free throw. Defense quickly became the story of the first quarter as both teams forced turnovers and protected the rim with several blocks.

Concord found most of its early offense in transition, turning steals into fast-break layups. That stretch forced Colon to call a timeout with just over three minutes remaining in the first quarter trailing 8–5.

Colon struggled to generate offense out of the timeout, while Concord continued to build momentum. A three-pointer and strong defensive possession energized the crowd and helped Concord maintain control. Despite multiple opportunities late in the quarter, Concord couldn’t extend its lead further and closed the first quarter ahead 11–7.

The defensive tone continued into the second quarter. Concord’s interior defense proved especially effective, recording multiple blocks and disrupting Colon’s passing lanes. Colon managed to stay within striking distance thanks to a timely three-pointer and a late layup.

Both teams had chances to score in the final minute of the half, but more blocked shots kept points off the board. Concord carried a 22–18 lead into halftime.

The second half began much like the first, with the teams trading baskets before another stretch of missed opportunities on both ends of the floor slowed the pace. Concord still held the advantage midway through the third quarter.

Dalton Williams takes a three on tuesday night Photo by Brady Triemstra

Colon began to find momentum late in the period when Quincy converted an and-one play to bring Colon within three. Moments later, Dalton Williams hit a clutch three-pointer with 10 seconds remaining to cut the deficit to one. Concord responded immediately. Jett Smith beat the buzzer with a fadeaway mid-range jumper just inside the arc, sending Concord into the fourth quarter with a 35–32 lead. Williams continued his strong play early in the fourth quarter, knocking down another shot to tie the game at 36 just a minute into the period. With the crowd fully engaged, every possession became increasingly important as the teams battled down the stretch. With the game tied at 38, Concord delivered a crucial run. The Yellow Jackets scored four straight points to take a 42–38 lead with about three minutes remaining. Colon was eventually forced to foul as Concord attempted to run out the clock. Brennan Marrell gave Colon one final push, drilling a clutch three-pointer with 1:06 left to cut the lead to two. Concord answered at the free-throw line, calmly converting a pair to push the lead back to four. From there, the Yellow Jackets held on to secure the 47–41 victory and punch their ticket to the Breslin Center for the first time in program history.

Quincy Blair hugs his coach one last time as he leaves the floor Photo by Brady Triemstra