Bludgeoned Berlin Brothersvalley drops heartbreaker to Williamsburg in 1A quarterfinals

RICHLAND TOWNSHIP — Saturday's PIAA Class 1A girls basketball quarterfinal between Berlin Brothersvalley and Williamsburg was a war of attrition.

The foul-ridden and beat up Mountaineers left blood, sweat and tears on the court at Richland, and despite their valiant efforts, the Blue Pirates made enough plays down the stretch to secure a 54-53 victory and thrash Berlin's bid for a second-straight semifinal appearance.

"It was a tough, said Berlin coach Rachel Prosser of the contest. "If one possession goes differently, we are in their shoes."

Berlin (23-6) held a narrow 12-11 lead after one. The Mountaineers failed to cash in on some layup opportunities throughout the game, which kept the contest close.

Williamsburg (27-3) took a 16-12 advantage early in the second on an 8-0 run which carried over from the first quarter. Senior Ayla Hileman hit two threes during the run. She finished with 11 points.

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But the Mountaineers responded.

Taylor Hillegass scored back-to-back buckets to even things at 16. The senior wrapped up her career with a 15-point performance.

Berlin took a 20-18 lead on a bucket by Elena Ritchey. However, Williamsburg sophomore Leeanna Royer notched four of her game-high 20 points in the latter stages of the quarter to give the Blue Pirates a 22-21 advantage at the break.

The Mountaineers held their largest lead of the game early in the third. Senior Regan Lauer drilled two threes for a 27-22 advantage. She dropped 14 points in the game.

Yet, Williamsburg had an answer.

The Blue Pirates went on a 12-2 surge, including five points from freshman Levada Gorsuch to retake the lead 34-29. Gorsuch, despite sitting the majority of the first half with three fouls, finished with 13 points.

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Despite outscoring Williamsburg 9-5 to close the quarter, the Mountaineers trailed 39-38 after three.

A 6-0 spurt, including five points from freshman Coral Prosser, gave Berlin a 46-45 lead with 5:17 to go. Prosser tallied 15 points.

But Gorsuch scored in transition and completed the three-point play to give the Blue Pirates the lead once again.

Prosser fouled out shortly thereafter. Williamsburg made 4-of-6 at the foul line to increase its lead to 52-46.

Berlin sophomore Elsie Barna converted a three-point play and freshman Lexi Foor got a steal off an inbounds pass, which eventually led to two made free throws by Lauer.

However, Royer made two more free throws with 12.7 left, and Berlin did not get a look at a three before the buzzer.

This was the third meeting between the two Inter-County Conference foes. The two teams split their previous matchups. There was certainly familiarity between the two combatants.

"They definitely studied our plays. They knew what we were going to be doing," Hillegass said. "They played good defense and their shots were falling."

Hillegass made her presence felt throughout the season as a first-year starter. She has been one of the key cogs in the wheel during her career as a Mountaineer.

"This year was fun for me. It has probably been one of the hardest years for me, especially knowing it's over," Hillegass said. "This group of girls really worked together and did well together.

"I cherish (being one of the leaders). I hope the younger girls can take something from this and put in the work for next year."

Berlin loses a trio of starters to graduation that meant a great deal to the program and racked up a bevy of wins along the way, including a District 5 and conference title this season.

"They have been important to this program for all four years, especially two three-year starters (Ashley Brant and Lauer)," Prosser said. "Ashley played majorly under the weather today. These girls would battle for each other. I am really proud of them. There's no replacing them. They have definitely set the standard and have been good leaders for these younger girls and they'll remember that for sure."

Adam Ripple is the Daily American sports editor. He can be reached at 814-444-5926. Follow him on X (Twitter) @ARipple_DAsport. Follow Daily American Sports on Facebook and @dailyamericanmedia on Instagram.

This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Berlin Brothersvalley's season ends in PIAA Class 1A quarterfinals