AURORA – The North Bend Central Tigers used a big fourth quarter and timely free throws to sneak past Gothenburg 60-55 for the C1-7 District Title.
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. After 10 turnovers in the first three quarters, they would only give it away one time in the fourth to finish with 11. Gothenburg saw three different players score in double figures. Aubrey O’Hare led the team with 13 points while Alex Beveridge scored 11 and Zoe Beveridge came off the bench to score 10 points. Ashlyn Richeson and Clara Evert would each score nine points. Gothenburg went 10-13 from the free throw line and gave the ball away eight times.
North Bend Central advances to the C1 state tournament in Lincoln where they will try to win their fifth straight title. Gothenburg finishes the season 19-6.
Listen to the game here.
