The North Bend Central Girls Basketball Team defeated Gothenburg 60-55 in the C1-7 District Final at Aurora Friday night.
Tyler Cavalli’s Game Recap:
In a game where no lead was safe and both teams traded haymakers, in the end it was the four time defending champion North Bend Central Tigers who found a way to secure the win. Gothenburg used a strong defense in the first three quarters that thwarted the Tigers from building offensive momentum while they built two seven point leads. However, North Bend Central would rally in the fourth to outscore the Swedes 22-15. North Bend Central would sink crucial free throws in the final quarter after Gothenburg got into foul trouble. The Tigers would finish 26-31 from the free throw line to help propel them back to the state tournament for the sixth year in a row.
In the win, North Bend Central was led by their star player Lindsey Emanuel’s 25 points. She also went 9-11 from the free throw line. Lauren Sterup chipped in 20 points and went a perfect 11-11 from the charity stripe. McKrae Muller added 10 points off the bench in the win.
State Tournament Game Preview:
North Bend Central (17-8) takes on Lincoln Christian (22-2) in the 1st round of State at the Devaney Center at 9:00 Thursday Morning. The Crusaders won 65-35 over DC West in the C1-1 District Final at home Friday night.
Jeff’s Game Take:
This is an intriguing game. The Tigers beat Lincoln Christian for their first of four straight State Titles in 2020. North Bend Central is making their 6th straight State Tournament Appearance and going for their 5th consecutive State Championship. It’s going to be tough for the Tigers to win this one, but it’s State and anything can happen as North Bend Central has shown over the last four years. You just can’t ever count out the Tigers regardless of the circumstances, especially given their past success and how well they’ve played lately.
