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2020 3A North Semi-State Northwood v Benton Central

By Randy Beckett
Updated: February 25, 2020

Two runs defined the 3A Final Four contest between the Northwood Panthers and the Benton Central Bison. The first was a 9-0 run from Northwood after an opening bucket from Benton Central to take a 9-2 lead that they would never relinquish. After one quarter of play the Panthers would own a 9-5 advantage. Points would be hard to come by in the second quarter as well as Benton Central were only able to add 4 points while Northwood scored 7 in the quarter to take a 16-9 lead into the locker room. The teams combined for 17 first half turnovers. Benton Central would chip away at the Panthers lead in the 3rd quarter until they drew within two points and had the ball at 20-18. However, from there Northwood would mount their second and most decisive run with a 16-0 run that stretched from the 1:20 mark of the third quarter until the 2:26 mark of the fourth. Nearly a seven minute stretch without a point for the Bison. Northwood would double up the Bison at 36-18. The Panthers (27-3) would finish off with a 36-22 final four win to advance to their first state championship since 1999. Northwood was led by their senior front court of Maddy Payne with 13 points and 9 rebounds, while Kate Rulli added 12 points. Senior Audrey Strawsma finished with 12 points, 5 rebounds for the Bison. Northwood won the battle on the boards 33-15, while limiting Benton Central to 32% shooting and forcing 20 turnovers. Northwood will face the Salem Lions in the state title matchup at Bankers Life in Indianapolis Saturday.

Northwood (36): Payne (13), Rulli (12), Miller (9), Fielstra (2)

Benton Central (22): Strawsma (12), Senesac (4), Coffman (3), Tucker (3)