Darren Kinnard/River Radio Sports Central
Video courtesy Russell Conwell/River Radio Sports Central student correspondent
PINCKNEYVILLE — Riley Bauersachs’ go ahead layup in the final half minute and strong defensive stand in the closing seconds lifted Pinckneyville to a 56-55 win over Benton, clinching the SIRR Mississippi championship outright for the Panthers.
Pinckneyville led by as many as 13 in the first half, only to watch the Rangers close within 29-21 at the half. Benton grabbed the lead briefly in the third quarter, before the Panthers closed the quarter leading 43-39.
Pinckneyville extended that lead back to seven in the fourth, before the Rangers rallied again. Trailing 54-50, Docker Tedeschi knocked down a long three to pull Benton within one. Then after a steal and AJ Keith’s chase down block of a potential go ahead layup by Jaxton Wiggs, Tedeschi gathered the loose ball and scored in the lane to give Benton a 55-54 lead in the final minute. Tedeschi led all scorers with 35 points.
Ty Laur then set up Bauersachs with a great feed for what turned out to be the game-winning basket.
AJ Keith led the way for Pinckneyville with 23 points. The Panthers finish the regular season 27-3, 9-1 in the conference. The Rangers are 26-4, finishing conference play at 7-3.
Pinckneyville will open play in the semifinals of the Chester Regional Wednesday night against Red Bud, while Benton will open the same night in the semis of the Hamilton County Regional against Carmi-White County.
