Bad timing.

The Chesterton boys basketball team picked the wrong time to turn in its worst shooting performance of the season and fell 56-34 in the IHSAA Sectional Semifinals to Valparaiso in Michigan City on Friday night.

“We just didn’t shoot the ball well,” Chesterton coach Tom Peller said. “We got the same shots we normally make and our guys had been in a good rhythm. Tonight, they just didn’t go in.”

The Trojans struggled to just 13-of-47 shooting (27 percent) from the field and were 5-of-20 from 3-point range. They also hit only 3-of-10 free throws.

“I wasn’t upset with the shots we took, we just didn’t make any,” Peller said.

Chesterton’s defense kept them in the game as they trailed just 21-15 at the half and were down 26-20 late in the third quarter.

Valpo’s Brody Wilson hit a triple to end the third quarter, while Justin Osburn and Wilson hit 3’s to start the fourth quarter to blow the game open.

“The three to end the third quarter and three to start the fourth were really big,” Peller said. “We went into a trap and they made the extra pass. That’s what good teams do.”

Five points from Chesterton’s Matt Holba started a mini-run that was answered by 10 straight Valpo points including six free throws.

“Valpo is so good fundamentally and so poised,” Peller said. “They make shots when they have to and don’t give you second shots.”

The Vikings hit on 15-of-33 shots (45 percent) from the field and were 20-of-28 from the free throw line.

“We came out tight and I thought our demeanor was different tonight,” Peller said. “Until we find a way to beat these guys, it’s going to continue to be like that. They’ve had our number the last couple of years.”

Holba and Corey Rusboldt led the Trojans in scoring with 10 points each.

Valparaiso (10-11-8-27)

Tyler Doane 3-3 7-8 14, Brody Wilson 2-4 0-0 6, Zach Meyer 1-3 2-3 5, Quentin Palmer 4-6 7-9 15, John Mosser 1-6 0-0 2, Jacob Harner 0-0 1-2 1, Justin Osburn 3-9 3-6 11, Alex Healy 0-1 0-0 0, Brandon Nichols 0-0 0-0 0, Andrew Paul 1-1 0-0 2, Conner Tenhove 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 15-33 20-28 56.

Chesterton (4-11-5-14)

Matt Holba 4-12 2-8 10, Chris Palombizio 1-7 1-2 4, Cole Teal 2-10 0-0 5, Corey Rusboldt 4-9 0-0 10, Jacob Andert 1-5 0-0 2, Andrew Ralph 0-0 0-0 0, Donnie Johnson 1-4 0-0 3, Brandon Roeske 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 13-47 3-10 34.

3-point field goals: Valparaiso 6-16 (Doane 1-1, Wilson 2-4, Meyer 1-2, Palmer 0-1, Mosser 0-2, Osburn 2-5, Healy 0-1); Chesterton 5-20 (Holba 0-1, Palombizio 1-6, Teal 1-3, Rusboldt 2-3, Andert 0-3, Johnson 1-4). Rebounds: Valparaiso 32 (Mosser 8); Chesterton 28 (Holba 9). Assists: Valparaiso 7 (Mosser 3); Chesterton 4 (Holba 2). Steals: Valparaiso 0; Chesterton 5 (Teal 2).

Posted 3/4/2013