The Clinton Central Bulldogs girls’ basketball team fell to Marquette Catholic at the final second of the semi-state game Saturday night with a final score of 72-70.
The Bulldogs entered halftime down by 11 points with a score of 45-34 before ending the third period down by eight with a score of 57-49, bringing the score to an even 2-point lead for Marquette during the quarter.
With 14 seconds left in the game, the Bulldogs were down by 2, racing against the clock to rise above Marquette’s score for the first time during the game with 10.3 seconds remaining. As Marquette called for a time-out, the score sat at 70-69 with the Bulldogs leading, but Marquette would have possession once the time-out ended.
As the last seconds ticked on the clock, freshman Marissa Pleasant shot for a 3-point basket, sinking the ball at the buzzer for a final score of 72-70, ending the Bulldogs’ journey to the state finals.
Sophomore Laniah Davis led all scorers with 31 points. Pleasant and junior Ava Bolling each scored 10.
Sara Parkison led the Lady Bulldogs with 30 points. Carly Davison scored 17 and Erika Robbins added 15.
The Bulldogs ended their season with a 25-2 record, and Marquette will continue on to the state finals with a record of 24-4.
Marquette will play Lanesville, 28-1, for the state title at 10:30 a.m. Saturday. Lanesville defeated North Central 68-33 for the title at New Albany.
Don Stock and Karl Kercheval brought the play-by-play during the intense moments on WILO at 1570 AM, 96.9 FM and 102.7 FM.
The broadcast was brought to you by The Farmers Bank, Barrett Farms Express, Wampler’s Services, Inc, Metzinger Construction, Inc, Delta Foundation, Inc, Golden Harvest Seed Josh and Andy Davison, Document Mountain, Shoup’s Country Foods, Esserman best Tire and Auto Service, Booker’s Bar and Grill, Milky Way, Bailey Trucking, Inc and Little Miss Cupcakes.
Listen To The Final Seconds of the Semi-State Game Below: