On Tuesday night, 4A No. 5 Floyd Central played 3A No. 9 Brownstown Central in Floyds Knobs. Sophomore Jack Benter provided the heroics at the end of regulation and overtime for Brownstown Central.

 

Floyd Central started the game with a Wesley Celichowski score on the left block, then a three-pointer from Kyle Poates. A minute later, Poates set up Brady Moore for a three to give the Highlanders an 8-3 lead.

 

In the first quarter, Benter carried the offensive load for Brownstown Central as he scored the first 11 points for the Braves. Carson Darlage made a free throw near the end of the first period to become the only Brownstown Central player other than Benter to score.

 

Moore and Nathaniel Hoffman helped Floyd Central begin the second quarter with a 15-0 run. The Highlanders forced turnovers and cashed them in for points on the other end. Brownstown Central only managed four points in the second period.

 

Floyd Central led 31-16 at the break.

 

Carter Waskom and Benter helped Brownstown chip away at the deficit to start the second half. Waskom scored nine points in the third behind two three-point plays.

 

Moore scored all six Floyd Central third-quarter points to keep the Highlanders ahead 37-29 going to the fourth.

 

Early in the fourth quarter, Floyd Central’s Tevi Ali received a technical foul after a personal foul was called on Waskom’s drive. It ended up being a five-point possession for Brownstown Central as Waskom split his free throws, Benter made two free throws, then Benter made two more free throws after being fouled after Brownstown inbounded the ball.

 

Suddenly, it was a one-point game, but Moore was there again for Floyd Central. His ability to get to the basket off the dribble haunted Brownstown Central all game, and Moore kept going to the well. He scored Floyd Central’s first six of the fourth quarter to put the Highlanders up five points.

 

Poates made four free throws to keep Floyd Central in the lead as the clock melted away.

 

Down four points, Benter drilled a deep three-pointer from the right wing. Then, on the Floyd Central end, Cole Harritt split his two free throws to give the Highlanders a two-point lead.

 

After the made free throw, Benter wasted no time finding a three-pointer. This time, he was fouled on the attempt. He made the first two attempts to tie the game but missed the final free throw after a timeout.

 

Todd Sturgeon drew up a quick-hitter for Moore, but the senior could not hit the buzzer-beater.

 

In overtime, Floyd Central drew first blood on a Celichowski free throw. After scoring the game’s first bucket, Celichowski played limited minutes due to foul trouble. However, he emerged in overtime with his offensive rebounding and free-throw shooting.

 

The extra frame saw Floyd Central maintain a one-possession lead most of the way. Then, with under 30 seconds left, Benter hit a three-pointer and was fouled. The three tied the game, and his free throw gave Brownstown Central the 57-56 lead.

 

Down one, Poates drove to the lane for a good look, but his attempt bounced off the rim. Celichowski pulled down the offensive rebound and was fouled. The seven-foot senior made two clutch free throws to put Floyd Central up one.

 

Benter pushed the ball himself after the second free throw with only a few seconds on the clock. Then, the sophomore splashed a shot from 25 feet to give Brownstown Central the 60-58 win at the buzzer.

 

Benter finished with 37 points and 12 rebounds. Waskom added 18 points and three rebounds. The duo went 16-19 from the foul line in the win.

 

Moore scored 26 points in the loss and also recorded three rebounds, and three assists. Poates added ten points, six rebounds, and four assists. Celichowski recorded eight points, four rebounds, and two blocks in 23 minutes. Max Tripure had three points and six rebounds.

 

Brownstown Central (17-3) plays Eastern (Pekin) on Friday and Providence on Saturday. Floyd Central (16-3) plays Bloomington North on Saturday.