After four quarters and four overtimes, Young fans engulfed 5-foot-6 senior Janee Thompson on the Hinsdale Central court, hugging her, shaking her hand and offering congratulations for her performance against Bolingbrook on Monday night.
"I'm actually not even that tired at all," Thompson said.
In a game many considered to be the unofficial Class 4A girls basketball state championship, it took extraordinary resilience to secure the victory in front of a packed gym in Hinsdale. Thompson scored 34 points and had seven assists to drive No. 2 Young to a 74-65 quadruple-overtime victory over top-ranked and three-time defending Class 4A champion Bolingbrook in a 4A supersectional.
The Kentucky-bound Thompson scored the final seven points of the fourth overtime for the Dolphins (32-0), who will play Bartlett at 6:30 p.m. Friday at Illinois State's Redbird Arena in their fifth straight semifinal. Bolingbrook (26-2) had played in seven consecutive state semifinals and beat Young the last three seasons in the state tournament.
"After the way the other games went in the past years (against Bolingbrook), we wanted to do this for all of the past players and ourselves," said Thompson, a McDonald's All-American. "It was a huge game, but now we've got to finish downstate."
Connecticut recruit Morgan Tuck, the game's other McDonald's All-American, led Bolingbrook with 19 points and 15 rebounds, but she didn't score after the first overtime.
Several players on both teams made plays to extend the game. Bolingbrook's Keiera Ray hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer to send it to overtime. Tuck had a jumper with 25 seconds left in the first overtime, Thompson made a 3-pointer in the second overtime and Young's Alexis Lloyd completed a three-point play in the third overtime to send the game on to the next period.
"A couple plays, a couple calls, a couple things I probably could have done differently to have a different outcome, but Young hung in there and fought," Bolingbrook coach Anthony Smith said. "We both fought a heavyweight fight, and Young came out with the win."
Junior guard Linnae Harper added 16 points and 11 rebounds, including Young's first four points of the final overtime. Bolingbrook's Illinois-bound senior Nia Moore had 14 points, seven rebounds and eight blocks.
But no player impacted the game like Thompson, who scored 15 points in the extra periods and shot 13-for-14 from the free-throw line in the final 24 minutes.
"We were going back and forth, and I was trying to take what the defense was giving me," Thompson said. "I just want to credit my team for working as hard as we did. Four overtimes, and we never gave up."
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"Young in 4 OT's!!!" - A Historic Night in the World of Basketball
Reliving the Epic Quadruple Overtime Duel and Addressing Common Questions
Every once in a while, the world of sports graces us with a game so epic, so extraordinary, that it becomes an instant classic. "Young in 4 OT's!!!" is one such moment. It was a basketball showdown that defied the limits of endurance and showcased the indomitable spirit of athletes. In this article, we will relive the historic quadruple overtime game, exploring the unforgettable moments, the players who left it all on the court, and addressing some frequently asked questions that surround this remarkable event.
The Quadruple Overtime Thriller
The setting was a packed arena, and the stakes were high. Two basketball powerhouses clashed in a matchup that would go down in history. The game seemed destined for greatness right from the tip-off, as both teams fought tooth and nail for every point.
Overtime periods in basketball are already intense, with the pressure mounting as each extra period passes. But when regulation ended, and the first overtime began, no one could have predicted what was to come.
As the game progressed into the second, third, and eventually the fourth overtime, it became a battle of sheer willpower and endurance. Players were exhausted, but their determination to win kept them going. The crowd was on its feet, witnessing a historic battle of epic proportions.
Unforgettable Moments
Clutch Shots: In a game of this magnitude, clutch shots are the stuff of legends. Players from both teams delivered jaw-dropping three-pointers and buzzer-beaters to extend the game.
Endurance on Display: The physical and mental endurance of the athletes was on full display. Running up and down the court for four overtime periods pushed them to their limits, yet they persevered.
Strategic Brilliance: Coaches on both sides displayed strategic brilliance, making crucial decisions that kept their teams in the game. From timeouts to substitutions, every move mattered.
Teamwork and Grit: Teamwork and grit were the defining features of this game. Players dived for loose balls, fought for rebounds, and supported each other through the marathon battle.
A Memorable Outcome: In the end, a victor emerged, but both teams earned the respect and admiration of fans worldwide. The final score was not just a number but a testament to the heart and soul of the athletes.
Addressing Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Which teams were involved in the "Young in 4 OT's!!!" game?
A1: The teams involved in this historic quadruple overtime game were [Team A] and [Team B]. The exact names of the teams may vary depending on the specific game you're referring to.
Q2: Who were the standout players in the game?
A2: The standout players in this game were numerous, as both teams showcased incredible talent and determination. Names like [Player A], [Player B], and [Player C] may have shone brightly during this unforgettable battle.
Q3: What was the final score of the game?
A3: The final score of the game was [Final Score]. This score reflected the combined efforts of both teams over four overtime periods.
Q4: Has this game been recognized as one of the greatest basketball games in history?
A4: While the classification of "greatest" games can vary based on personal preferences and historical context, "Young in 4 OT's!!!" has certainly earned a place in the annals of memorable basketball matchups due to its extraordinary duration and the incredible displays of skill and endurance.
Q5: Did this game have any significant implications for the teams or the sport itself?
A5: Depending on the specific game and its context, such a marathon showdown can have implications for the teams involved, impacting their standings, morale, and reputation. It may also serve as a source of inspiration for future athletes, showcasing the heights that can be reached through determination and teamwork.
"Young in 4 OT's!!!" is a phrase that will forever be etched in the memories of basketball fans and athletes alike. It represents the pinnacle of endurance, skill, and sportsmanship in the world of sports. Moments like these remind us why we love sports, why we cheer for our favorite teams, and why we hold our breath during every overtime period. They are a testament to the human spirit's ability to persevere, to excel, and to create unforgettable memories on the hardwood.
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