Benton Central's season comes to a close at the hands of Hamilton Heights

CROWN POINT, Ind. (WLFI) - Benton Central did what they do best by getting off to a good start in Saturday’s Class 3A semi-state game and it still wasn’t enough as Hamilton Heights knocked off the Bison 69-58.

“Our three seniors have definitely been great. They have meant everything to the Lady Bison program. They lead by example and they work hard and they have great attitudes. On top of that they are great basketball players. That is one of those mind tingling moments and I get emotional thinking about it,” said Benton Central head coach David Baxter.

All season long the Bison won and lost games with its senior duo leading the way. Today was no exception, seniors Cassidy Deno and Caitlyn Tolen each scored 24 points in their final game in a Bison uniform.

“It is special to be part of Benton Central and have the Lady Bison support in the community. It is really something special,” said senior guard Caitlyn Tolen.

“These girls are my best friends and when the community bellows out in cheer it is a great feeling. Even if we lost they are still behind us and with us this whole way,” said senior forward Cassidy Deno.

However, it came down to a lack of scoring from role players like Courtney Lester, Tessa Brouillette, Katie Shields, and Kaylan Coffman that cost BC down the stretch. All four players combined to score 10 points and none of those points were scored in the second half.

The Bison don’t have to study the box score too closely to see what the difference was against the Huskies. Benton Central turned the ball over 18 times, most of which were forced by the Hamilton Heights full court press.

No. 2 Hamilton Heights advances to its first state championship, where the Huskies will play Mt. Vernon next Saturday in Terre Haute.

No. 4 Benton Central finishes the season with a 22-4 record. Seniors Caitlyn Tolen, Cassidy Deno, and Courtney Lester finish with 81 career victories.