Darren Kinnard/River Radio Sports Central
TRENTON — The Nashville Hornettes are headed to the Elite Eight for the 13th time in program history after beating Breese Central 44-36 to capture the Wesclin 2A Sectional championship.
This is the second straight year the Hornettes have beaten the Cougars in the sectional title game. This time Nashville jumped out to an 8-2 lead and never trailed. Central pulled within 13-12 early in the second quarter but didn’t score again until early in the third, a drought of more than 7:00.
Nashville led 20-12 at the half and extended that lead to 11 early in the third. Central got as close as four in the fourth quarter, but the Hornettes withstood the Cougars’ trapping defense and made enough free throws to seal the deal.
Nashville shot 75% (15-20) from the field for the game led by Emma Behrmann who was 9-9, finishing with a game high 21 points. She also was the primary defender helping hold Central star Taylor Trame to just six points.
Sisters Samantha and Summer Brinkmann each tallied 10 for Nashville. Cece Toennies led Central with 11. Claire Albers added 10 for the Cougars who finish 30-3.
Nashville improves to 31-3 and advances to the Vandalia 2A Supersectional Monday night at 6:00. The Hornettes will face Camp Point Central also in a rematch from a year ago. Nashville won that one 41-32.
