Darren Kinnard/River Radio Sports Central
Video courtesy Russell Conwell/River Radio Sports Central student correspondent
PINCKNEYVILLE – Benton senior Docker Tedeschi hit three free throws with less than a second to play to give the Rangers a come from behind 51-50 win over the host Panthers for the Duster Thomas Hoops Classic championship.
Tedeschi’s heroics came after a wild closing sequence. The Panthers led 50-48, but missed a pair of free throws with 3.5 seconds to play. Tedeschi grabbed the rebound and was fouled trying to launch a 75-foot desperation heave with .5 second to play.
After Tedeschi’s free throws put Benton on top, the Panthers had one final chance. Riley Bauersachs launched a pass down court. Ty Laur tapped it back to AJ Keith who rattled out what would’ve been a miraculous shot. Turns out it wouldn’t have counted anyway as the officials had waved off.
Tedeschi finished with 22 points on the night and was named Tournament MVP. Bauersachs led the Panthers with 12.
The two teams will meet at least two more times this season in SIRR Mississippi play: at Benton January 17 and back in Pinckneyville February 21 to close out the regular season.
