Benton Central set for semi-state matchup with Hamilton Heights

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - The Benton Central Girls basketball team is preparing for Saturday's Class 3A semi-state game.

Two seasons ago Benton Central was one shot away from winning a State Championship. Needless to say the Bison have some unfinished business in the big game.

“It was a heart breaker, and it was really hard. We definitely feel like we can get back there again and we can win it so we just have to take it one step at a time and the game on Saturday is all we are really focused on,” said senior guard Caitlyn Tolen.

“It came down to the wire and we didn't finish it out. Not a lot of teams can say they got there and we were one of those that were fortunate enough to be able to get there. Maybe we can make another run for it this year,” said senior forward Cassidy Deno.

Standing in their way is a Hamilton Heights team that scored 125 points last weekend.

“They average 70 to 80 possessions a game and we average 60 so they really look to get out and push the ball a lot. We really need to take care of the ball, slow it down, slow the tempo down, and just play our game,” said senior forward Courtney Lester.

“It's a challenging and difficult matchup for us. We've got some size and length but they have extreme quickness and fantastic three-point shooting. They have six or seven kids who can all shoot the three. They can shoot you out of a game awful quick,” said head coach David Baxter.

Courtney Lester, Cassidy Deno, and Caitlyn Tolen have won 81 games during their high school careers. The only game that matters to the Bison seniors right now, is Saturday's semi state game.

“Your senior year that's really what matters and just that one game, you just have to go one game at a time and that's what we're doing,” said Lester.

“We've been fortunate enough to be apart of great teams in the past and have a good winning record but none of that matters now. It comes down to this Saturday and whether we advance or not,” said Deno.

“It's been a great four years. We've gotten the privilege to play with a lot of good players, be in a lot of good games and accomplished a lot in our four years but this is definitely the most important right now because it's one and done. Were not ready to give up our lady Bison jerseys yet and we want to bring it come Saturday and give it all we got,” said Tolen.