By darrenkinnard

Next stop: Champaign–Benton holds off Teutopolis to earn a trip to state

Posted: March 5, 2024
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SIU 2A Supersectional: Benton vs Teutopolis

Benton’s Evan Munoz (2) drives on Teutopolis’ Zac Niebrugge (10) during the first quarter of the 2A Super-sectional at the Banterra Center on Monday in Carbondale.
Benton’s Grant Owens (12) and Docker Tedeschi (41) pressure Teutopolis’ Joseph Niebrugge (22) during the first quarter of the 2A Super-sectional at the Banterra Center on Monday in Carbondale.
Benton’s Isaac Billington (10) shoots over Teutopolis’ Garrett Gaddis (2) during the first quarter of the 2A Super-sectional at the Banterra Center on Monday in Carbondale.
Benton head coach Ron Winemiller questions a call in the first quarter against Teutopolis during the 2A Super-sectional at the Banterra Center on Monday in Carbondale.
Benton’s Isaac Billington (10) drives on Teutopolis’ Garrett Gaddis (2) during the first quarter of the 2A Super-sectional at the Banterra Center on Monday in Carbondale.
Benton’s Docker Tedeschi (41) blocks the shot by Teutopolis’ Joseph Niebrugge (22) during the first quarter of the 2A Super-sectional at the Banterra Center on Monday in Carbondale.
Benton’s Evan Munoz (right) shoots over Teutopolis’ Joseph Niebrugge during the first quarter of the 2A Super-sectional at the Banterra Center on Monday in Carbondale.
Benton’s Isaac Billington (10) attempts to steal the ball from Teutopolis’ Mitch Koester (24) during the second quarter of the 2A Super-sectional at the Banterra Center on Monday in Carbondale.
Benton’s Evan Munoz (22) attempts to save the ball as Teutopolis’ Tyler Pruemer (33) defends during the third quarter of the 2A Super-sectional at the Banterra Center on Monday in Carbondale. Benton held on to win 43-36 and advance to the state semifinal on Thursday in Champaign where they will face Byron.
Benton’s Luke Melvin (14) drives on Teutopolis’ Mitch Koester (24) during the third quarter of the 2A Super-sectional at the Banterra Center on Monday in Carbondale. Benton held on to win 43-36 and advance to the state semifinal on Thursday in Champaign where they will face Byron.
The Teutopolis defense collapses on Benton’s Docker Tedeschi (41) during the fourth quarter of the 2A Super-sectional at the Banterra Center on Monday in Carbondale. Benton held on to win 43-36 and advance to the state semifinal on Thursday in Champaign where they will face Byron.
The Benton bench celebrates after a basket in the fourth quarter against Teutopolis during the 2A Super-sectional at the Banterra Center on Monday in Carbondale. Benton held on to win 43-36 and advance to the state semifinal on Thursday in Champaign where they will face Byron.
Benton players celebrate with the trophy after defeating Teutopolis 43-36 in the 2A Super-sectional at the Banterra Center on Monday in Carbondale. Benton advances to the state semifinal on Thursday in Champaign where they will face Byron.

Byron Hetzler/River Radio Sports Central

Darren Kinnard/River Radio Sports Central

Video by Russell Conwell/River Radio Sports Central student correspondent

CARBONDALE — The Benton Rangers built a 15-point halftime lead then held off a furious Teutopolis rally to beat the Wooden Shoes 43-36 and win the SIU 2A Supersectional, earning a trip to Champaign for the 2A state semifinals Thursday afternoon.

With star big man Docker Tedeschi on the bench saddled with three early fouls, the Rangers outscored Teutopolis 18-5 in the second quarter to turn a 9-7 lead after one into a 27-12 advantage at halftime.

The Shoes cut the deficit to 33-25 after three quarters, then scored the first six points of the fourth to pull within two, but they could never tie or take the lead.

Teutopolis (24-11) outrebounded Benton 31-17, including 16 offensive rebounds, but the Shoes only managed six second chance points to show for their work.

Isaac Billington led the way for Benton with 13 points to go with five assists. Luke Melvin added nine and Evan Munoz eight. Joesph Niebrugge and Mitch Koester each tallied nine points to lead Teutopolis .

Benton (32-3) advances to face Byron (30-2) in the second 2A semifinal Thursday at approximately 3:45 at the State Farm Center in Champaign. Williamsville will face Chicago Phillips in the first 2A semifinal at 2:00.

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