For the last four sessions, Kile Gahart of Batavia has seen Brooke Carlson’s career closely.
Thursday night is the biggest game in the history of the program, Gahart ensured one thing. The moment against the archives Geneva will not be too big for his star team partner.
“It is expected,” Gehrt said about the Colorado state-bound Carlson. “I know Brook. I know what she can do. This is his role on the team – to score those points. I am proud of him.
“He just wondered.”
Carlson scored four seconds in the first quarter and did not stop. The Senior Guard ended with a game-hai 34 points, leading to the host Bulldog win 58–46 in the class 4A Batavia Sectional Championship game.
Junior Forward Halley Crane added eight points and a senior guard, Gehrt, contributed six to Batavia (29–5), which earned the first sectional title in the history of the program. Carlson, who had nine rebounds and three theft, shot 12 out of 20 from the floor and 7 out of 9 from the free-thro line.
Lia Palmer portrayed Geneva (23–9) with 18 points and 12 rebounds. Lucy Garnier came out of the bench and scored 10 points.
Gehrt knew that the game was about to land for a good start due to a play of bulldogs practiced on Wednesday for the initial tip. Addie Prewitt won it and Carlson attended the court. The ball was played further, the Batavia grows 2–0, and the house crowd was killed in a frenzy.
“We knew that it was going to work,” said Gehrt. “We all knew what we had to do. We all had players to defend. Brook ran out. Addie can achieve any jump ball. It was just amazing, ‘It’s great.’ ,
Batavia’s Kylie Gehrt (21) took the ball to court against Geneva during the class 4A Batavia Sectional Championship game on Thursday, February 22, 2024. (Mark Black / Beacon-News)
Carlson put a hammer in the rest of the first half, ended with 19 points with a halftime as Bulldog took a 32–13 lead.
Carlson said, “Come out in the second trimester and really step on them was the main thing we needed to do.” “We thought we were good if we were able to get out of them fast.”
This means that Batavia will play 46–41 winning against the winner on Stevenson on Monday at 7 pm by Bartlett in its first supersensetics.
While thrilled with his debut for Bulldog Games, Geneva’s coach Sara Meadows regretted the fact that Vikings shot 20% (5 out of 5) in the first half, digging a large hole.
Meadows said, “The first half was not just good for us.” “He was a ballgame. At one point, (Carlson) was 17 of his 23 points. He is a great player. He is very capable. ,
Batavia’s Haley Crane (24) shifted the ball against Geneva’s Perry Sweeni (10) during the Class 4A Batavia Sectional Championship Game on Thursday, 22 February 2024. (Mark Black / Beacon-News)
Batavia coach Kevin Jensen saw Carlson’s performance from a historical point of view.
He coached Hannah Fragier and Lisa Frundt, the top two players Carlson passed to become the all -time leading scorer of the program this season, so he has watched a lot of big games.
“This will go down in Batavia Vidya,” Jensen said. “It is difficult to give an argument about having any better ballplayer from this high school. In big moments, she is very big.
“In a game, it was fun to come over that elder who matters a lot on the floor of our house.”
Brook Carlson (2) of Batavia scored against Geneva’s Gabby Web (12) on Thursday, 22 February, 2024 during the Class 4A Batavia Sectional Championship Game. (Mark Black / Beacon-News)
Carlson felt love all night, and did not take it.
Carlson said, “It is surprising to see how many people are in my corner and supporting me.” “I just try to do my best to become the best person and basketball player.
“I think it’s surprising to see everyone is with me and is happy for me.”
Now, Carlson and Bulldog will prepare for the latest largest sport in the history of the program.
“We are excited,” said Carlson. “We are ready. This was our goal throughout the season. We knew that we are capable. As we say, the job is not over. We are going to get ready to go on Monday. ,
Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for Bekan-News.