Names change for Bennett, but the result remains the same.
So it was again on Thursday, when Freshman Guard Ava Mercenger and Sophomore Center Emma Brigs stepped into Class 4A Nucle Valley Regional Finals against host Wildcats.
“It was certainly nervous-veraging, but it was fun,” said Merceder. “The other team is really good, so we knew we needed to bring it, and we did. We were solid the whole time.”
In a sport in which neither the team led more than five points, Brigs and Merceder gave pressure.
Brigs scored six 16 points of his career in the fourth quarter and Merceder came out of the bench for six points and two important assistance and won the fourth seed Bennett for 47-44 victory against the fifth seeded new Valley for 47–44 victory against the new Valley.
It was a 10th consecutive regional championship for Redwings (23-6), which proceeded to play top seeded Bolingbrook (26-3) in the Ososgo Semi-finals at 6 pm on Tuesday.
“I told the children,” to make a run in the tournament, it takes us all, “the bennet coach that Killbrid said. “Different nights, these are different people.
“We have found other children who will probably be a great game on Tuesday, so you have to find out which pieces are rolling it.”
Bennett’s Emma Brigs is tall among her peers as they celebrate the Class 4A Nucle Valley Regional Finals in Nepearville on Thursday, 15 February 2024 after defeating Nukeva Valley. (John Langham / Neparville Sun)
Bennett was below 38–34 in the fourth quarters as five and fourth as before it rolled. Mersinger scored 6:43 on the baseline drive, scoring a 9–0 run.
Hillsdale-Bound Senior Guard Emilia Seleci gave Redwings a 39–38 lead with a robbery and 3-pointer.
“We got into trouble with dishonesty, so I was out of the press,” said Killbrid. “So to go with 6, we went back to press back and trap slightly, and we were able to achieve some turnover and infection.
“Emilia made a big three when he went to the zone, and gave us a little cushion. It felt that those two minutes only changed the game’s mojo. I felt as if it was a different vibi after that.”
Merceder also felt it.
“After three of Emilia, I thought our energy had increased,” he said. “I felt as if we just played together, and we were just going.”
Bennett’s Awa Merceder, left, brings the ball to court against Zo Navaro of Nueva Valley during the Class 4A Valley Regional Finals in Nepearville on Thursday, February 15, 2024. (John Langham / Neparville Sun)
Brigs scored the next three assets for Bennett, which began with a turnaround jumper near the lane. After finishing it after the Neurquy Valley (19–11), the Merceder started running the lane, but stopped and sent a bounce to a bounce and a bounce pass for a trimming to make it 43–38.
“This is an ideal drama,” Brigs said. “I saw her drive and pulled some guards. If she is open, she takes it. But it was perfect, ideal for our situation.”
Merceder scored both his baskets on the great drive through defense, but this time passing through the whole way.
“I was looking for Emma because I knew they were going to pack the paint,” said Merceder. “If I pull one, my next pass was about to be there, so I was looking for him.”
After scoring on a drive for Nucle Valley after Senior Guard Zo Navaro, Merceder again brought the ball up. This time she went to Brigs in the foul line. The Brigs hesitated by twisting the jumper with 2:27.
“I was really looking to drive,” Brigs said. “I’m more than a driver, obviously, but I can shoot the midrange. It was open. They didn’t want to pressurize me, so I shot it.”
Quin Sigal of New Lucah Valley, has been abandoned, preserved by Bennett’s Emma Briges during the class 4A Neurva Valley Regional Finals in Nepearville on Thursday, on 15 February, 2024. (John Langham / Neparville Sun)
The pressure, however, was not away from redwings. Navaro, who scored 12 out of his team-high 14 points in the second half, replaced the 4-point play to draw Wildcats within 45–44 and then made a steal to give his team a chance to win.
But the Neurqua Valley replaced it with 12.8 seconds. Bennett Junior Guard Aria Maza left two free throw with 8.8 ticks, and Wildcats recalled a 3-point shot on Bajer.
“(Wildcats) did not leave, and they kept working hard,” said Mike Williams, coach of Neurquy Valley. “We had our own chance. You feel bad about losing, but it was a great high school game, a great atmosphere and a good time.”
Brigs ensured that Bennett had a better time.
“It was amazing,” he said. “We clearly did not want it to be our last. We knew that it would not happen, so it was great to be able to provide for my team.”
Matt Le Crane is a freelance reporter.