Annandale senior guard Brett Fobbe took an elbow to the face during the second half of Wednesday’s Class 2A basketball state tournament quarterfinal against Byron, a hit more jarring than any he could recall on the court or football field.

Trainers packed his nose with gauze and Fobbe, blood on his shorts and all, returned. Following his example, the Cardinals showed grit by battling throughout a 56-42 victory at the Target Center.

“I thought I might have gotten a concussion,” said Fobbe, who wobbled toward the bench on legs resembling cooked pasta noodles. “But there was no way I was missing much of the game. As a senior, I have to step up and show my teammates I’ll do anything to win.”

No. 5 seed Annandale (21-9) built a 33-23 halftime lead that tournament first-timer and No. 4 seed Byron (25-5) reduced to as few as four points twice in the second half. Harried by Annandale’s pressure defense in the first half, the Bears settled down in the second half but failed to convert some key shots.

“We were more patient but we missed some bunnies,” Bears coach Kerry Linbo said.

The victorious Cardinals were led in scoring by Matt Miller’s 16 points. Fobbe and Brett Ahsenmacher added 12 points each. Byron’s Jack Nelson had 17 points.

DAVID La VAQUE

1. Matt Miller (Annandale) - Miller led Annadale with 16 points on 6-9 shooting and 4-5 FT's. He also took down 5 rebounds and controlled his team when Byron went on their run's. Miller also had 2 steals in Annandale's press that really gave Byron problems tonight.

2. Brett Fobbe (Annandale) - Fobbe also had 2 steals to go along with 12 points and a team high 6 rebounds. He showed good poise in the game and also battled hard when matched up with some of Byron's bigs. 

3. Jack Nelson (Byron) - When Byron strugged with Annandale's pressure, it seemed like Nelson was the one to come up with the shots they desperately needed to stay in the game. He had a game high 17 points and 11 rebounds for the double double tonight. 

- Pete Heldstab, MN Basketball Hub