By Joe Sutton
Bennington improved to 25-0 with a 92-43 victory over Crete in the district final on Feb. 28, securing a district championship and advancing to the state tournament.
Facing a Crete team that entered on a 10-game winning streak, the top-ranked Badgers established control early and never relinquished it.
“Crete’s turned their season around,” head coach John O’Connor said before the game. “They’re on a 10-game win streak.”
Bennington wasted little time setting the tone. Sophomore Macie Reiner opened the scoring with a three-pointer on the game’s first possession as the Badgers built a 22-9 lead by the end of the first quarter.
The lead grew to 42-28 by halftime, fueled by defensive pressure and transition scoring. In the second half, Bennington pulled away decisively, outscoring Crete 50-15 over the final two quarters to seal the 49-point win.
A packed home crowd added to the momentum as the Badgers pushed the pace and spread the scoring across the lineup.
“Number one in the state, you can’t lose or you go home,” Reiner said. “It was fun, and it really drove me.”
While the celebration marked another milestone in an undefeated season, O’Connor emphasized the need to quickly shift focus.
“You have to enjoy this one today,” O’Connor said. “It’s a 24-hour rule. Then tomorrow, we turn the page, game plan and get ready for the state tournament.”
With the district championship secured, Bennington now turns its attention to the state tournament, where it will tip off Thursday at 6 p.m. looking to extend its perfect season.
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