When we found out that the Bethany girls basketball team would be playing in the semi-state tournament today, we were excited for them, but also a little worried about how we were going to get Cameron to the game. We had signed up for IU's Red Carpet Day several weeks ago and most sessions were already full. With senior trip occurring the first week of March and golf season starting immediately afterward, we knew that trying to find another date would be almost impossible.
Once we saw the pairings draw last weekend, our concerns subsided. The Bruins were playing at Frankfort, Indiana which was two hours from Bethany, but only an hour and forty minutes from Bloomington. We knew that we could easily get Cameron to the game at Case Arena as it was only ten minutes out of our normal drive home from Bloomington to Syracuse. Since Cameron wasn't really sure what he would do in between the games if the girls won, Doug and I decided to make a day of it watching the morning session and staying for the night game if Bethany was in it.
We arrived in Frankfort at 11 a.m. this morning. The assistant coach had texted Cameron to tell him what door to get in and where to meet the team. I really appreciated that as we weren't quite sure what he should do. Doug and I went in as soon as the first game was over. Cameron let us know later that Tri had won by almost 30 points. We were surprised that it was that lopsided in a final eight game.
Bethany played Washington Township and started off strong. Washington Township led most of the second quarter, however, and we felt fortunate to be down only by seven at half. The game was intense in the second half as well. Thankfully, the refs started calling fouls on their aggressive play. We were happy to see that as we had been hit hard in the first half. Bethany was in the bonus before the fourth quarter began. Even so, the game remained close up until the end with the Bruins winning by five.
We found Cameron after the game. He was pretty hyped up about the win. We had roughly six hours until the championship, so we let him pick how we spent that time. He wanted to go to Greenwood to catch up with Alina. She had participated in the ISMAA vocal music contest in the morning and was shopping at the mall. Her family planned on staying for the game as well, so it worked out well for Cameron to hang out with them for the afternoon. The three of us stopped for lunch at Big Woods in Speedway first, enjoying a delicious meal together. While Cameron was busy with Alina's family and friends, Doug and I did a little bit of shopping. I stopped in at Yankee Candle first and then we both found something at Kohl's to take home. We had just enough time to stop at Target before picking Cameron up at Barnes & Noble for our return trip to Frankfort.
I was surprised at how many cars were at Case Arena when we arrived at 7:20. Doug and I headed in early to secure a seat at the top of the bleachers. Quickly after tip off, it looked as though Tri was going to run away with the game. They were instantly up 6-0 and we weren't sure that we had an answer for the height of their best player. Bethany kept it close, however, and were only down by one at half. Tri looked strong again to start the second half, but Bethany hung tough. Their best player got into foul trouble and had to sit out for part of the fourth quarter. The Bruins took advantage driving down the lane almost every play until she returned, outscoring Tri 8-2. The game was one of the most intense that I have seen in person. Bethany hit some key threes. They answered with twos inside the paint and had to foul to catch up. That put our point guard on the spot, but she answered the call, hitting six straight free throws clinching the win for Bethany 54-50. It was so much fun to watch. It was Bethany's first ever Semi-State Championship and everyone joined in celebration on the court afterward. Cameron got to cut down the net once again, and Doug and I enjoyed listening to he and Keagan talk about the game all the way back to Syracuse. It was a late night for all of us, but well worth the trip.
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