In the first Wabash Valley Classic semifinal, Bloomington South used a buzzer-beater from Trevor Taylor to beat Sullivan.

 

In a slow first quarter, Sullivan was able to get to the free-throw line. Randy Kelley converted four free throws in the opening period to give Sullivan an early lead. Kelley scored six in the frame. South answered by back getting to the paint. 

 

Bloomington South senior guard Trevor Taylor was aggressive in the second quarter as he scored five of his seven first-half points in the stanza. He also had four assists in the first half. Taylor helped South go on a 10-0 run late in the half. Patrick Joyce knocked down a couple of threes off the bench in the quarter as well.

 

Bloomington South led 23-17 at the half. Sullivan was only 6-20 from the field.

 

In the third quarter, Jackson Hills and Kelley kept Sullivan in it. Hills turned in a workmen-like effort on the glass and in the paint. Taylor and Maddix Blackwell were productive for South going to the lane. 

 

South led 33-30 going to the final quarter.

 

With 5:15 to play, a multiple-shot possession led to an open three for Kelley from the right wing to put Sullivan ahead 36-34. South was unfazed by facing a deficit. Minutes later, Taylor found Jalen Peck for an open three to put South up 41-38. Taylor made another play by finding Abner for a score in the lane to put South up five. Kelley answered with a deep three-pointer with one minute to play to pull Sullivan within two.

 

After South missed the frontend of a one-and-one, Kelley was fouled and sent to the line down two with 37 seconds to go. He made both to tie the game.

 

South milked the clock before calling a timeout with 14 seconds left. Out of the huddle, Taylor drove to the free-throw line with four seconds left before giving it up. He quickly got it back at the three-point line and fired right before the buzzer. The shot splashed through the next to give South the 46-43 win.

 

Taylor led South with 16 points, seven assists, and four rebounds. Jordan Abner and Maddix Blackwell each scored eight points. 

 

Randy Kelley had 19 points and four rebounds in the loss. Jackson Hills tallied 10 points and 12 rebounds.

 

Bloomington South will play Greencastle on Wednesday for the Wabash Valley Classic championship.