Rosecrans boys basketball team tested, but holds off SCC for sectional title
STEUBENVILLE — Hot-shooting Rosecrans built a 12-point halftime lead on Friday night.
However, the second half tested the fifth-seeded Bishops.
Fourth seed Steubenville Catholic Central cut that deficit to four early in the fourth quarter, but Rosecrans responded with a 9-4 stretch and held on for a 67-57 victory in the Division IV sectional final.
The Bishops (16-8), who won their first sectional final since 2019, will face top seed Woodsfield Monroe Central in a district semifinal at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Cambridge.
More: Final statistics for the regular season of boys basketball are here
Rosecrans shows grit on the road
The Bishops made 9 of 16 3s in the first half, including Brendan Bernath's buzzer-beating triple for a 40-28 halftime advantage.
Grady Labishak made three 3s in the opening quarter as Rosecrans led 16-15, while Tyler Bernett, who had 17 points, drilled a pair of triples during his own 10-point run in the second quarter to provide breathing room.
Labishak, who finished with a game-high 33 points, scored all nine of the Bishops' third-quarter points, as they led 49-36 before the Crusaders closed the quarter on a 7-0 run.
Benji Rook then grabbed a steal and laid the ball in to open the fourth, making it 49-45 Rosecrans.
Labishak then made two free throws after being fouled on a drive to the rim. It sparked the game-saving run, which was highlighted by Bernath's third 3, that extended the advantage to 58-47 with under five minutes left.
The Crusaders got within five twice in the final 1:15, but the Bishops made 8 of 10 free throws to seal the victory.
Bernath, who had nine points, felt ball movement was key in the second half.
"We had a good game plan, but we had some unlucky fouls in the first half that helped them," Bernath said. "They came out in a zone (in the third). We did a much better job attacking it by moving the ball. It was a total team effort."
Another challenge awaits in Monroe Central
Having a healthy Bernath back gives Rosecrans confidence, but a challenging foe awaits in the Seminoles, who are 22-1 after rolling ninth seed Bridgeport 67-16 on Friday.
Coach Todd Rock praised his team's poise, but knows production in the paint will be needed against an athletic Monroe Central squad.
"It showed we're a more mature team, and we handled the pressure better," Rock said. "Nick (Bernath) did a great job defensively, but our post players have to find a way to score and do a better job rebounding."
The Bishops had defeated the Crusaders by 32 in December, but Bernath, who also grabbed three steals, said the team understood the tournament is a different season.
"That was two months ago, and both teams were different. It wasn't even a game we thought about," he said. "The postseason is a new season for everyone. We need to keep our minds focused on what we need to do."
Labishak dished out six assists, James Goggin added seven points, Xander Daniels pulled down 10 rebounds and Bernett had five boards for the Bishops, who were 11 of 24 on 3s, 20 of 39 from the field and 16 of 19 at the line.
Daniel Bolster had 19 points, 15 in the second half, to pace the Crusaders, who were 21 of 43 from the field and 5 of 11 on 3s. Rook added 13 points, eight in the second half, and Tommy Pergi had 10 of his 12 in the first half.
bhannahs@zanesvilletimesrecorder.com; X: @brandonhannahs
This article originally appeared on Zanesville Times Recorder: Rosecrans started fast before using a late surge to win sectional title
