ATLANTIC — Perry topped No. 6 Glenwood, 73-71, in overtime Monday in the Substate 8 Final to earn a spot in the boys state tournament for the first time since the Bluejays won it all in 1988.
Shown here are photos from the post game celebration, including from the tradition of cutting down the nets.
Thanks must be passed on to host school Atlantic and athletic director Matt Alexander, who allowed the Bluejay players and coaches to linger for some time after the game and who also allowed the team to cut down their nets.
1 of 18

Perry's Solomon Pierce (left), Shammond Ivory (22) and Janier Puente celebrate their 73-71 overtime win against Glenwood in Atlantic Monday.

Perry players celebrate earning the school's first trip to the boys basketball state tourney since 1988.

Perry players celebrate as they are presented with a hard-earned and well-deserved "State Qualifier" banner after defeating Glenwood, 73-71, in overtime Monday in their Substate 8 Final in Atlantic.

Perry students, cheerleaders and fans can hardly restrain themselves as Perry players celebrate in the moments after their state-qualifying win over Glenwood in Atlantic Monday. A send-off pep rally, with the public invited, will be held at 10:20 a.m. Tuesday.

The Perry faithful showed up en masse Monday, something each player and coach interviewed said had helped fuel the team to victory.

Perry coaches, from left, Adam Bloom, Jim Richmond, Jim Prombo and head coach Ned Menke pose with a banner that says it all.

Senior Alex Long cuts a piece off the net in Atlantic after Perry won their substate final to advance to the state tourney. Long added one final memento to his senior season Saturday when he was named the Class 3A Student Scholar.

Assistant coach Jim Richmond. After 31 years helping at a variety of levels, he will coach in his first state tournament.
Jeff, these photos are awesome. Thanks.
Thanks, Lois! I have to admit, it was a whole lot of fun to snap these!