By Brad Engel
Maybe, and that's only if Ryan Haggerty avoids a spell like the one he had against Lake Park on Monday.
During the first five minutes of the second half, Haggerty was nowhere to be found for 16th-seeded Benet. He had no points and no rebounds after tallying nine and four, respectively, in the first half.
Meanwhile, the 18th-seeded Lancers pulled within three points and nearly took control of the quarterfinal.
That's when Benet coach Marty Gaughan called a timeout and set up a play for Haggerty. The Redwings got him the ball, but he unselfishly dished it to Emmett Carrier (team-high 14 points). From there, the Redwings built the lead back to double digits.
Haggerty's absence can't happen again if Benet wants to shock Illinois prep basketball and advance to Friday's regional final at Bartlett. Haggerty, bound for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, has to get touches like he did in the first half Monday. He had nine points, four rebounds and one slam dunk at the break to assume the role of best player on the court.
When Benet and top-seeded Batavia meet at 7:30 p.m. tonight in Bartlett, Haggerty will definitely be competing for the spotlight with Northwestern recruit Nick Fruendt.
Who do you think will steal the show?
Well, not quite - but the Redwings, as usual, make it very interesting in the playoffs.
Got to give coach Gaughan credit - his teams always seem to deliver a few significant upsets during the regular season and have a knack for upending higher seeds (or making them really sweat) in the playoffs.
Good run at Batavia!