Darren Kinnard/River Radio Sports Central
CHAMPAIGN — The Benton Rangers are headed to the first state championship game in boys basketball program history after holding off Byron 50-42.
Benton (32-3) will face Chicago Phillips (24-9) Saturday at 1:00 in the 2A title tilt.
Isaac Billington scored 18 points to lead the way for Rangers. Docker Tedeschi stuffed the stat sheet once again with 14 points, 10 rebounds, six blocks, and four assists.
Benton had to overcome the loss of senior guard Luke Melvin, who had to be helped from the floor in the second quarter with an ankle injury. He did not return, and his status for Saturday’s championship game is up in the air.
The Rangers jumped out to a 12-3 lead and led 19-14 after one quarter. Benton took a 30-23 lead into halftime, but Byron outscored the Rangers 12-6 in the third quarter to pull within 36-35.
The Tigers took their only lead early in the fourth quarter but managed only five points the rest of the way, as Benton scored 14 of the game’s final 19 points.
Byron came back later Thursday night and defeated Williamsville 62-48 for third place.
