The late great Coach Jim Valvano or "Jimmy V" coined the phrase "Survive And Advance" when his N.C. State team shocked the world winning the 1983 NCAA Title. On Friday night, Seneca did just that holding off Berea by a deuce to advance to the 3rd round of the 3A Boys playoffs. The Bobcats found themselves in a position they haven't been much this season, trailing most of the game.
Seneca came out energized and built a 16-6 lead that in the 1st quarter. Berea then finished the 1st on a 4-0 spurt, that was part of an incredible 20-0 run. That gave them a 26-16 lead midway through the 2nd quarter. The Bulldogs outscored the homestanding 'Cats 23-15 in the second frame. Seneca did briefly take a 31-30 lead late in the first half. Berea then hit a three to in the half's final minute to lead 33-30 at the break.
From late in the 1st half until the final 15 seconds of the game, Seneca never led. However, the Region 1 Champs never lost their poise either. Going in, most people who follow high school hoops in the Upstate knew Berea was much better than their .500 record. The Bulldogs played an incredibly tough non-region schedule that include high quality bigger schools. Most thought, Berea would give Seneca all they wanted and did.
The two teams traded punches like a pair of heavyweight boxers in a prize fight down the stretch. With 13 seconds left and Berea up 57-56, Bobcat Senior Terrique Webb stepped to the free throw line. A steal on the inbounds pass by Sophomore Guard Cam O'Kelley set up Webb's trip to the stripe. Webb, a 55% free throw shooter on the year, had ice water in his veins as he knocked down both shots giving his team a 58-57 lead. Berea raced down and got off a contested three, it was off the mark and Bobcat Center J.C. Mitchell grabbed the rebound. Mitchell was fouled with 1.9 seconds left, he made one of his two attempts to put Seneca up 59-57. Berea had one final chance but couldn't get a desperation heave from half court to go at the buzzer.
Jaheim Dodd and Savion Brown led the Berea charge for the upset bid. Dodd had a team high 17 and Brown added 16. For Seneca, Senior Terrique Webb had his season high of 18. His classmate multi-sport standout E.J. Evett who has signed to play football at Weber State dropped 18. Center J.C. Mitchell added 14 to put three Bobcat players in double figures.
Seneca survived and now they advance to the next round of the 3A playoffs. The Bobcats will host Keenan Wednesday night in the 3rd round. The meeting will mark the 3rd straight year, the two programs have squared off in the postseason. Keenan got the win in the Upper State Finals in 2020, Seneca took the 2021 matchup in the Upper State Finals to advance to last year's State Title Game. The winner of Wednesday's rubber match will meet the winner of Daniel at Blue Ridge in the Upper State Finals. Daniel which is a 3 seed in the playoffs, went on the road and upset Region 3 Champs Union County to advance. The 3A Upper State Title Game will be held at Bob Jones University.
