Memorable Moments #6 & #7

#7. March 5: From overtime to over, times ten
In a little more than 15 seconds, the boys basketball team’s season went from overtime to over. But it was more than just a season that would end.
After a last-second defeat by No. 17 Canterbury on January 21, the Bruins hit a hot streak. They would reel off 10 wins in a row, half of them over sectional opponents and one in the sectional tournament. The margins ranged from a 45-25 win over Elkhart Christian to a three-point shot in the final seconds that propelled Bethany over Jimtown 30-28, but there was a constant: Bethany was on top.
From the tip-off, that outcome looked to be in doubt. Blackhawk outscored Bethany 17-8 after the first quarter and 31-21 at halftime behind 13 points from Russell Byrd and 10 from Seth Kisler. The third quarter would be Bethany’s turn, outscoring Blackhawk 20-10 to level the score at 41-all. The Braves led 50-48 when Seth Kauffman was fouled with 49.8 seconds to play; he made the first free throw, then missed the second but grabbed his own rebound. Putting up another shot, Kauffman was fouled. This time, the second shot fell and the game was tied. Blackhawk advanced the ball to midcourt and called for time with 40.9 seconds remaining.
When play resumed, Blackhawk was fouled getting an offensive rebound. After the first shot by sophomore Reid Zimmerman missed the mark, Bruin coach Jim Buller called for time with :21.6 to go. Zimmerman missed the second and Bethany moved upcourt. But Jon Newmeister intercepted the ball and scored an uncontested fast-break layup with 12.8 seconds on the clock. Ben Bontreger’s left-handed floater at the horn was no good, and just like that, the season and the streak were over with a 52-50 loss to Fort Wayne Blackhawk.
#6. March 2: Kauffman destroys Keystone
Seth Kauffman’s high school basketball career ended that Friday night in Hamilton. But the Tuesday before, statistically, it peaked.
Playing against the Eagles of Fort Wayne Keystone in the sectional quarterfinals for the second year in a row in the opponents’ final game for their school, Kauffman was on a roll in the first half. He hit ten field goals, adding 3-of-4 shooting from the free-throw line for a 23-point first half that left him on pace to break Larry Crilow’s 39-year-old mark of 45 points in a game. But the events of that Tuesday night in LaPorte County would not be surpassed by this Tuesday night in Steuben County. Kauffman was benched with the Bruins comfortably ahead to start the fourth quarter, and watched the final eight minutes tick off as Bethany won 79-58. Kauffman finished with 34 points, good for fourth place in school history, and 15 rebounds, which tied his own performance at third on the BCHS charts. Kauffman finished with 1,104 career points, and you’ll see more of those ahead in the series.
Coming tomorrow: We revisit a seemingly stunning upset that almost was, and let Seth down from a great height.