Graf free throws key Central win

Aberdeen Central took the first step towards the State AA tournament on Thursday night, but it took a clutch effort down the stretch to do it. Hitting six of six freethrows in the final 3 minutes, Central trailed Pierre by five with just over a minute left to play. Back to back baskets by Jennifer Murphy and free throws by Dawn Sillman, sandwiched around 3 key defensive stops, gave the Eagles a 39-38 lead with 23 seconds remaining. However, Pierre's Erin Schoefelbein drove the lane and converted a basket and got fouled with 7 seconds left on the clock. The free throw was missed and as Central's Emily Graf was battling for the rebound, she was fouled with 6 seconds left. Graf cooly stepped to the line and made both ends of the bonus situation to give the lead to the Golden Eagles for good 41-40. Pierre mishandled the ball in the closing seconds thanks to Central defensive pressure and never got another shot off. Central advances to Friday's Championship game versus the Mitchell Kernels in the Civic Arena.

Boxscore:

Aberdeen Central: Sillman 2 2-2 7, Norman 4 0-0 8, L. Graf 1 0-2 2, Murphy 5 1-3 11, E. Graf 0 2-2 2, Goodman 2 2-2 6, Healy 1 0-0 2, Burgard 0 3-4 3; Three point goals: Sillman

Pierre: Unkenholz 1 0-0 2, Rausch 5 0-0 10, Schiefelbein 7 2-3 16, Nielson 2 4-4 8, Luers 0 1-2 1, Hawkins 0 1-2 1; Three point goals: none

Fouled out: none; Total fouls: Aberdeen Central 15, Pierre 14, Rebounds: Aberdeen Central 14(E. Graf 4), Pierre 23(Rausch 6) Turnovers: Aberdeen Central 10, Pierre 17

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