Bethany’s complete performance wins over Blackhawk

Jan. 12—GOSHEN — In one of its biggest tests of the season so far, Bethany Christian passed with flying colors.

The Bruins led for just 35 seconds in Thursday’s game against Blackhawk Christian. Contributions came from the entire team in a 42-26 victory over the Braves. This was a key non-conference girls basketball matchup in Waterford Mills.

Krysten Parason, Bethany Christian coach, stated that “I think the greatest part about this is how it was an enormous team win.” “It was probably one of the most important team wins we’ve ever had, with everyone stepping up in moments where we needed them.”

Bethany Christian shot 48% from their field and made 17 of their 35 attempts, compared to an 11 for 30 shooting night for Braves. Blackhawk was also adamant that they had only five turnovers and Blackhawk had fourteen giveaways.

While Bethany Christian (16-2) has a clear advantage when it comes to winning percentage, Blackhawk Christian (10-9) is a close second. However, the Sagarin rankings of both teams were similar, which consider many factors such as schedule strength. The Braves’ Sagarin rating stood at 63.14, while the Bruins had a score of 63.78.

Bethany was also able to win this sectional because they were in the same sectional as Blackhawk. This year’s Class 1A, Sectional 51 tournament will be hosted by the Braves from Jan. 30 — Feb. 4 and also features Lakewood Park Christian, Elkhart Christian and Hamilton.

Parson said, “I feel like there’s always been a good battle against Blackhawk; they are well-coached.” We have some rivals, but this rival is almost like a sectional rival. This is a huge game for us. We know who they are and we know that it is a 1A sectional opponent. This was more than a win for us. This is a major win for us. They are a great program that plays well with good teams.”

It was Senior Night at No. 9 (Class 1A) Bruins. One senior was crucial to the Bethany offense’s success in the first half.

Julia Moser made three quick ‘3’s in the 10th minute of the game to make her team lead 3-2. Her second one was enough to tie the score at 3-2. The home team led 14-4 by the end of the first quarter.

Moser’s last triple was less than two minutes in the second quarter. Bethany Christian had taken control of the contest with a 19-6 lead.

These would have been the only nine points Moser scored, but they were crucial.

Parson of Moser stated, “When she’s hot you have to give the basketball to her.” “The girls are aware of that and want to give it her. This team doesn’t care about the score. They don’t care who scores.

Bethany’s offense is efficient, but their defense is equally effective.

The Bruins had a tall task — literally — with Blackhawk Christian junior Allie Boyer, who stands a 6’2″. Boyer scored 16 points in the final game, but Bethany Christian was able to slow Boyer down occasionally to extend their lead.

Combining the active hands of the other Bruin players and senior Kiersten Todd, who defended Boyer at 5’10”, led to seven first-half turnovers for the home team. The majority were steals on Boyer pass passes.

Parson of Boyer said, “I mean 6’2″ is 6’2″, so you always need to plan around that.” It doesn’t always work, but we did a good job of doing what was necessary. Because of her height, Todd provides more length for her and she is more active down there. It’s easier to protect people when you are taller. I don’t know of anyone else who could have done it better because she is shorter.

All four seniors, as well as Mariah Stoltzfus, started for the Bruins on Senior Night. The team’s leading scorer, Zoe Willems (junior), was left on the bench.

Willems, who led the team with 15 points, was equally effective in a reserve position as she was in her regular starting one. She now has 986 points in her career, which is only 14 away from her goal of 1,000 career points.

The junior who was the standout player will have a shot at reaching the milestone Saturday against South Bend Trinity at Greenlawn. Bethany would be crowned the Hoosier Plains Conference champion if it wins against the Titans (2-13).

Parson, speaking about this Saturday’s contest, said “I think Zoe will say the same thing: What matters most is that that basketball game wins.” She will care most about that. She’s not going to worry about 1,000 points — I think it’ll be in the back of her head, and why wouldn’t it be? She won’t be focusing on that when she enters the Trinity game.

The Bruins also scored 10 points from Todd, 4 points from Eva Horning, and 2 points each from Stoltzfus (senior Kolette Kern).

Austin Hough can reached at [email protected] Contact us at 574-538-2360 Follow him @AustinHoughTGN.