Darren Kinnard/River Radio Sports Central
Video by Russell Conwell/River Radio Sports Central student correspondent
BENTON — The heavyweight championship fight between the top two boys 2A basketball teams in the region lived up to the hype, as Benton held off Breese Central 34-32 to win the Benton Sectional championship in a sold out Rich Herrin Gymnasium.
It’s the Rangers first boys basketball sectional championship since 2003, while Central falls in the sectional final for the third straight year, second straight on an opponents’ home floor.
The Rangers came out on fire, scoring the game’s first nine points on the way to a 14-4 lead after one. The Cougars came roaring back, opening the second with a 13-1 run to grab a 17-15 lead. Isaac Billington’s 3-pointer and a defensive stand gave the Rangers an 18-17 lead at the half.
The defensive scrum continued in the second half. Central’s only field goal in the third quarter was a 3-pointer from Colton Arnold. Benton’s Evan Munoz hit a 3-pointer as well, which turned out to be the Rangers’ only field goal of the entire second half.
Benton led 23-20 after three quarters. Breese Central pulled even twice in the fourth, but the Rangers’ were nails from the free throw line in the fourth quarter, going 11-12 to secure the win.
The Rangers improve to 31-3 and advance to Monday’s SIU Supersectional where they will face Teutopolis. The winner will advance to the state semifinals in Champaign Thursday.
The Cougars finish the season 31-3.
